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Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

Cummings  School  of  Veterinary  Medicine  at 

Tufts  Un 

200  Westboro  Road 

North  Grafton,  MA  01 536 


THE 

ADVOCATE  OF  VETERINARY  REFORM 

AND 

OUTLINES 

OF 

ANATOMY  AND   PHYSIOLOGY 
OF  THE  HORSE; 

ALSO, 

A  GENERAL  HISTORY   OF  THE  RISE   AND   PROGRESS    OF  THE  VETERINARY  SCIENCB 

IN   ENGLAND,   WITH  PRACTICAL   OBSERVATIONS   ON  FEEDING,   WATERING, 

GROOMING,     SHOEING,     &C,     &C.  :     WRITTEN    WITH    A    VIEW    OF 

REFORMING    THE    VETERINARY   SCIENCE,   AND   TEACHING 

EVERY     MAN      HOW     TO      PREVENT     DISEASE     IN 

ANIMALS. 

CONTAINING,   ALSO, 

A  VETERINARY  DICTIONARY, 

SELECTED  FROM  THE  WORKS   OF 

R.  WHITE,  V.  S., 

OF   LONDON,    AND    ADAPTED    TO   THE    PRESENT    STATE    OF    THE    REFORMED    PRACTICE    IN    TH» 
UNITED    STATES, 

AS  PRACTISED  BY  THE  AUTHOR; 

WITH    SELECTIONS    FROM    THE    WORKS    OF    YOUATT,    PERCIVAL,    AND    CURTIS,    TOGETHER    WITH 
REMARKS    AND    OBSERVATIONS    ON 

BLOODLETTING,  AND  THE  USE  OF  POISONS; 

SHOWING    THEIR    DESTRUCTIVE    TENDENCY,  ETC. 

The  fundamental  principles  taught  in  this  work  are,  that  all  medicine  should  be  given  with  a  view  of  aiding 
the  vital  power,  instead  of  depressing,  as  heretofore. 

BY 

GEORGE    H.  DADD,  M.D., 

PRACTITIONER   OF    THE    PHYSIOLOGICAL   PRACTICE    OF    VETERINARY    MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY, 
AUTHOR    OF    "DADD'S    CHART   OF    REFORMED    PRACTICE." 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED    BY    THE    AUTHOR 

1855. 


D23 
\%65 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1850, 

By  G.  H.  Dadd,  M.  D. 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


STEREOTYPED    AT    THE 
BOSTON      STEREOTYPE     FOUNDRY. 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction, 7 

Description  of  the  Bony  Structure, 12 

The  Causes  of  Complaint, * 15 

General  History  of  the  Horse, 22 

External  Conformation  of  the  Horse, 23 

Progress  of  the  Veterinary  Art  in  England, 25 

Outlines  of  Anatomy  in  the  Horse, 29 

Description  of  the  Structure  of  the  Different  Organs, 29 

Physiology, 31 

Description  of  the  Uses  of  the  different    Organs  and   Functions   of  the 

Horse, 31 

Nutrition, 31 

Digestion, 32 

Mastication 32 

Chymification, 32 

Absorption  of  the  Chyle, 33 

Circulation  of  the  Blood, 34 

Respiration  and  Structure  of  the  Lungs 38 

Glandular  Secretions, 38 

Anatomy  and  Physiology  of  the  Eye, 39 

Remarks  on  the  Causes  of  Disease  in  the  Eye, 42 

Anatomy  of  the  Female  Organs  of  Generation, 43 

Clitoris, 44 

Membrane  of  the  Yagina 45 

Mammae, 47 

Physiology  of  the  Organs  of  Generation,  Male  and  Female, 48 

Stomach, 49 

Anatomy  of  the  Foot,  and  its  Diseases, '. 52 

Foot  Lameness 56 

Corns, 56 

Shoeing, 57 

Contraction  of  the  Hoof, 61 

Remarks  on  Feeding, 63 

Steaming  and  Preparing  Food  for  Animals, 66 


4  CONTENTS. 

Watering, 69 

Exercise, 70 

Want  of  Appetite, 71 

On  Stable  Management, 74 

Ventilation  and  Admission  of  Light  into  the  Stable, 75 

Admission  of  Light, 76 

On  the  111  Effects  of  Manures  of  large  Cities  on  the  Qualities  of  Plants, . .  77 

On  Animal  Matter, 80 

On  Breeding, 86 

Remarks  on  Bloodletting, 88 

On  the  Theory  of  Health,  Disease,  Fever,  and  Inflammation, 95 

Causes  of  Disease, 99 

Poisons, 99 

Congestion  of  the  Brain,  &c., 100 

How  to  avoid  Congestion,  Staggers,  and  Apoplexy, 104 

Inhuman  Treatment  of  Horses  in  England, 104 

On  Rabies,  or  Madness,  and  the  Effects  of  the  Milk  of  Rabid  and  Dis- 
eased Animals, 108 

Preliminary  Remarks  on  the  Distribution  of  the  Arteries,  Veins,  &c, . . . .  110 

Distribution  of  Arteries, 112 

Anterior  Aorta, 112 

The  Carotid  Artery 115 

Ramus  Anastomoticus, 117 

Internal  Carotid, 117 

Posterior  Aorta, , 118 

Distribution  of  Veins  in  the  Horse, 122 

The  Anterior  Vena  Cava, 122 

The  Jugular  Vein, 128 

The  Occipital  Vein 123 

The  Posterior  Vena  Cava, 125 

The  Brain  and  its  Appendages, 127 

The  Sinuses, 128 

Cerebrum, 129 

Cerebellum, 129 

Medulla  Spinalis, 129 

Origin  and  Distribution  of  the  Nerves, 130 

Cerebral  Nerves, 130 

Cervical  Nerves, 134 

The  Diaphragmatic  or  Phrenic  Nerves, 135 

Dorsal  Nerves, 135 

Lumbar  Nerves, 135 

Sacral  Nerves, 136 

Coccygeal  Nerves, 136 

Nerves  of  the  Fore  Extremity, 137 

Nerves  of  the  Hind  Extremity 138 

Sympathetic   Nerve, 139 

Origin,  Insertion,  and  Use  of  the  Different  Muscles  of  the  Horse, 140 

Trapezius, no 


CONTENTS.  O 

Latismus  Dorsi, 140 

Rhomboideus  Brevis, 140 

Rhomboideus  Longus, 141 

Levator  Humeri, 141 

Muscles  of  the  Neck, 141 

Anterior  Cervical  Region, • 143 

Muscles  of  the  Head, 144 

Muscles  of  the  Trunk.  —  Pectoral  Region, 146 

Lumbar  Region, 148 

Internal  Costal  Region, 150 

Muscles  of  the  Trunk.  —  Abdominal  Region, 151 

Muscles  of  the  Fore  Extremity.  — External  Scapular  Region 152 

Posterior  Humeral  Region, 153 

Anterior  Humeral  Region, 153 

Muscles  of  the  Arm, 154 

Deep  Posterior  Brachial  Region, 155 

Anterior  Brachial  Region, 155 

Muscles  of  the  Hind  Extremity, 156 

"         "         Haunch, 156 

Internal  Femoral  Region, 157 

Gluteal  Region, 158 

Pelvic  Region, 159 

Posterior  Femoral  Region 159 

Muscles  of  the  Thigh, 160 

Popliteus, 161 

Anterior  Crural  Region, 162 

The  Mechanism  and  Functions  of  the  Joints, 163 

Articulations  of  the  Trunk, 163 

Articulations  of  the  Fore  Extremity 165 

"                 "        Hind  Extremity, 167 

A  Table  of  the  Bones  in  the  Structure  of  the  Horse, 169 

Distribution  of  the  Lymphatics, 170 

The  Thoracic  Duct, 170 

Lymphatics  discharging  their  Contents  into  the  Abdominal  Portion  of  the 

Thoracic  Duct, 171 

Ramifications  terminating  in  the  Thoracic  Portion  of  the  Common  Duct,  174 

On  the  Hair, 176 

Glossary  of  Medical  Terms  used  in  this  work, 181 

Dictionary  of  the  Veterinary  Art, 189 

Appendix, 286 

Description  of  the  Organs  of  Digestion  in  the  Ox,. 286 

Internal  and  External  Relations, 290 

Horn- Ail  in  Cattle, 291 

A  List  of  Horse  and  Cattle  Medicines, 297 

Remarks  on  Clysters, 305 

Important  to  Owners  of  Horses  and  Cattle, 307 


PLATES. 


Plate  No.  1.     Showing  the  External  Parts  of  the  Horse  ;  also,  a  View 

of  the  Muscular  Structure 12 

2.  Skeleton, 14 

3.  The  Heart  viewed  externally, 35 

4.  The  Stomach  of  the  Horse, 50 

5.  The  Leg  from  the  Shank  Bone, 53 


*  m 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  author  is  in  hopes  that  the  principles  here  set  forth 
may  enable  those  for  whom  the  work  is  mainly  written  (viz., 
our  farming  interest,  and  those  who  have  the  care  of  and  own 
horses)  to  perceive  the  folly  of  violating  nature's  laws,  in 
attempting  to  cure  disease  ;  also,  that  they  may  be  led  to  see 
the  wisdom  and  necessity  of  aiding  nature  in  her  intentions 
for  the  removal  of  the  causes  of  disease. 

It  is  a  subject  of  great  importance,  and  should  be  the  pride 
and  duty  of  every  man  to  sympathize  with  those  who, 
though  our  slaves,  have  common  feeling  with  us.  Yes,  brutes, 
as  we  call  them,  have,  like  us,  memory,  ideas  of  reflec- 
tion, reason,  and  feelings  of  gratitude  and  duty;  in  fact,  all 
those  moral  powers  differing  from  ours,  not  in  kind,  but 
merely  in  degree. 

There  is  no  period,  in  the  history  of  the  United  States, 
when  our  domestic  animals  have  ranked  so  high,  or  have  been 
held  in  such  general  estimation,  as  at  the  present  time  ;  yet 
there  is  no  subject  on  which  there  is  such  a  lamentable  want 
of  knowledge,  as  the  proper  treatment  of  the  diseases  of 
our  domestic  animals. 

How  long  our  citizens  will  suffer  this  important  branch  of 
study  to  be  neglected,  remains  to  be  seen.  The  sons  of 
America  are  ever  foremost  in  the  field  of  improvement. 
America  numbers  among  her  farming  interest  men  of  giant 
minds,  whose  cry  is,  Reform;  they  demand,  and  will  have, 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

sooner  or  later,  a  more  effectual  system  of  medication  —  a 
system  that  will  remove  the  diseases  of  their  animals  without 
submitting  them  to  the  excruciating  torment  of  the  firing  iron, 
lancet,  and  the  destructive  agents  that  have  heretofore  been 
Used  for  the  cure  of  disease. 

What  man  of  common  sense  can  for  a  moment  suppose, 
that  powerful  destructive  agents  can  restore  a  weak,  sinking 
animal  to  a  healthy  state?  Many  of  the  means  recommend- 
ed by  some  works  on  horse-doctoring,  would  make  a  well 
animal  sick,  whatever  they  might  do  to  the  one  already 
diseased.  We  are  told  that  the  agents  they  recommend  pro- 
voke the  system  to  rally  her  powers,  and  resist  disease  ;  and, 
at  the  same  time,  these  agents,  being  destructive  in  their  na- 
ture, produce  another,  or  a  secondary  disease,  and  that  the 
primary  disease  is  cured  by  exciting  a  secondary  one!  This 
is  just  as  absurd  as  knocking  a  horse  down  to  make  him  stand 
up.  But  truth  and  experience  are  abroad,  exerting  their  in- 
fluence on  the  minds  of  reflecting,  honest,  and  independent 
men,  and  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the  lancet  and  poi- 
son will  be  rejected  in  the  treatment  of  disease  in  animals. 

As  the  advocate  of  veterinary  reform,  the  author  has  en- 
deavored to  present  the  subject  to  the  reader  in  a  brief  manner, 
without  writing  all  round,  and  failing  to  hit  the  mark.  The 
object  aimed  at  is  the  prevention  of  disease.  It  is  an  old  but 
true  saying,  that  "an  ounce  of  prevention  is  worth  a  pound 
of  cure  j  "  and  it  is  more  convenient  and  less  expensive. 

Every  farmer  throughout  the  land  is  furnished  by  the 
Creator  with  ample  means  for  preventing  the  introduction  of 
disease  into  the  animal  organization,  and  to  remove  it,  in  some 
cases,  when  it  has  made  its  appearance ;  thus  the  man  who 
confines  his  prescriptions  to  a  few  good  remedies,  the  action 
of  which  he  is  well  acquainted  with,  is  far  more  successful 
than  he  who  is  constantly  changing  his  medicines  for  the 
popular  compounds  of  the  day. 

A  knowledge  of  anatomy,  physiology,  and  pathology  is 
important,  yet  not  absolutely  necessary,  in  the  cure  of  disease. 
The  two  former  are,  of  course,  more  important  that  the  latter. 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

All  the  pathology  on  earth  does  not  enable  us  to  cure  disease  ; 
many  of  our  farmers,  who  have  rejected  the  lancet  and  poisons, 
and  use  only  those  articles  which  are  favorable  to  the  whole 
animal  functions,  are  in  the  daily  habit  of  curing  disease,  of 
whose  pathology  they  know  nothing.  The  pathologist  may 
discover  alterations  in  tissues,  the  blood,  and  the  lungs,  and 
tell  us  that  herein  lie  the  cause  and  seat  of  disease  ,*  yet  these 
changes  themselves  are  but  results,  and  preceding  these  were 
other  manifestations  of  disorder  ;  therefore  pathology  must 
always  be  imperfect,  because  it  is  a  science  of  consequences. 

The  most  powerful  microscopes  have  been  used  to  discover 
the  seat  of  disease  ;  yet  it  has  not  taught  us  to  cure  one  single 
disease  hitherto  incurable.  Experience  is  the  only  true  guide 
of  every  successful  practitioner. 

The  principles  of  our  physiological  practice  may  be  summed 
up  as  follows  :  — 

We  contemplate  the  animal  system  as  a  perfect  piece  of 
mechanism,  subject  to  life  and  death ;  that,  while  the  vital 
power  is  free  and  unobstructed,  the  animal  is  in  a  physiologi- 
cal or  healthy  state  ;  but  when,  by  any  means,  the  vital  power 
is  obstructed,  it  is  in  a  diseased  or  pathological  state. 

All  our  intentions  of  cure  being  in  accordance  with  nature's 
laws,  (viz.,  promoting  the  integrity  of  the  living  powers,)  we 
have  termed  our  system  a  physiological  one,  though  it  is 
sometimes  denominated  botanic,  in  allusion  to  the  fact  that 
all  our  remedial  agents  are  derived  from  the  vegetable  king- 
dom. 

We  recognize  a  conservative  or  healing  power  in  the  ani- 
mal economy,  whose  unerring  indications  we  endeavor  to 
follow. 

Our  system  proposes,  under  all  circumstances,  to  restore  the 
diseased  organs  to  a  healthy  state,  by  cooperating  with  the 
vitality  remaining  in  those  organs,  by  the  exhibition  of  sana- 
tive means,  and,  under  all  circumstances,  to  assist,  and  not 
oppose,  nature  in  her  curative  processes. 

Poisonous  substances,  blood-letting,  or  processes  of  cure 
that  contemplate  destruction  of  parts,  or,  in  other  words,  act 
2 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

pathologically,  cannot  be  used  by  us.  The  laws  of  animal 
being  are  physiological.  Theymever  were,  and  never  will  be, 
pathological ;  hence  we  cooperate  with  nature,  and  with  na- 
ture's laws,  by  using  agents  that  act  physiologically. 

We  believe  that  the  best  system  of  veterinary  science  is 
that  which  prevents  disease  by  proper  attention  to  breeding, 
rearing,  and  stable  management.  It  will  be  perceived  that 
our  aim  is  to  depart  from  the  debilitating  and  life-destroying 
practice,  and  approach,  as  near  as  possible,  to  the  sanative. 

The  greatest  obstacle  to  veterinary  knowledge  is  the  be- 
lief, that  in  the  science  of  medicine  there  are  pathological 
laws ;  and  it  has  led  men  to  believe  that  fever  and  inflamma- 
tion are  disease.  Now,  there  never  was,  and  never  will  be,  a 
pathological  law.  The  divine  Creator  implanted  in  the  ani- 
mal organization  laws  to  maintain  it  in  its  normal  state,  and 
those  laws  are  physiological,  and  not  pathological.  Now,  to 
believe  that  the  all-wise  God  implanted  in  the  constitution 
both  normal  and  abnormal  laws,  would  be  but  to  destroy  his 
own  intention.  The  only  laws  in  domestic  animals,  in  any 
state,  are  physiological.  Overfeeding  and  imperfect  ventila- 
tion may  prevent  the  full  and  free  play  of  these  laws,  thereby 
curtailing  health ;  but  still,  all  the  vital  action  that  exists  is 
physiological. 

In  justice  to  J.  S.  Skinner,  the  talented  editor  of  the 
Farmer's  Library,  we  would  observe,  that  our  notes  and 
strictures  on  Youatt  apply  to  the  original  work,  as  published 
in  London.  The  work  has  since  been  republished  in  this 
country,  with  valuable  additions  by  J.  S.  S.,  and  is  better 
adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  American  people.  If  the  latter 
gentleman  would  only  employ  his  talents  in  advocating  and 
sustaining  the  non-poison  principle,  our  cause  (the  cause  of 
humanity)  would  receive  a  valuable  auxiliary. 

To  Dr.  C.  M.  Wood  we  are  indebted  for  valuable  sugges- 
tions, gleaned  from  an  extensive  practice  of  sixteen  or  seven- 
teen years  in  this  city.  He  has  experienced  the  imperfect 
theoretical  teachings  of  the  schools,  and  assures  us,  that  he 
has  established  facts,  deduced  from  observation  and  experi- 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

ence,  which  has  led  to  a  more  successful  treatment  of  the 
diseases  of  domestic  animals. 

The  author  acknowledges  his  obligations  to  various  sources 
for  this  work.  The  authors  named  in  the  title  page  have 
been  consulted  and  freely  employed ;  the  most  valuable  assist- 
ance has  been  derived  from  the  teachings  and  works  of  the 
professors  of  the  P.  M.  College  of  Ohio. 

G.  H.  D. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  BONY  STRUCTURE. 

The  Head  is  composed  of  the  following  bones,  which  a 
reference  to  the  plate  will  exemplify  :  a,  the  os  frontis,  or 
forehead  ;  b,  the  nasal  bones  ;  c,  the  os  lachrymal  is  ;  d,  the 
jugal,  or  cheek  bone ;  e,  the  superior  maxillary,  or  upper  jaw  ; 
/,  that  portion  which  unites  with  the  palatine  and  jugal 
bones ;  g,  the  inferior  maxillary  bone,  which  contains  the 
upper  incisor  teeth ;  h,  the  maxilla  posterior,  or  lower  jaw ; 
the  dark  shade  between  a,  c,  d,  is  the  orbit  of  the  eye  ;  t,  the 
parietal,  or  vertical  bone  ;  m,  n,  the  temporal  bone,  consisting 
of  the  squamous  and  petrous  portions  ;  n,  the  petrous  division, 
being  a  part  of  the  internal  ear ;  I,  o,  p,  the  occipital  or  knoll 
bone ;  o  marks  the  occipital  elevation  j  p,  the  cuneiform  pro- 
cess ;  I,  the  condyloid  process,  marking  its  junction  with  the 
atlas. 

The  Neck.  —  B,  B,  the  seven  cervical  vertebrae,  or  bones 
of  the  neck  j  a,  the  first  of  these,  is  denominated  the  atlas. 

The  Spine  is  composed  of  the  eighteen  dorsal  vertebrae, 
1 — 18 ;  the  lumbar  vertebrae,  which  form  the  loins,  six  in 
number,  1 — 6 ;  the  sacrum,  five  in  number,  a,  b,  c,  d,  e,  the 
coccygis,  or  bones  of  the  tail,  1 — 15. 

The  Thorax,  Ribs,  Shoulder,  and  Sternum.  —  The  true 
ribs  are  nine  in  number,  1 — 9 ;  and  are  so  denominated  from 
their  cartilages  being  united  to  the  sternum ;  10 — 18  mark 
the  false  ribs,  their  cartilages  being  inserted  into  each  other ; 
a,  the  head,  which  articulates  with  the  transverse  process  of 
the  first  dorsal  vertebrae  ;  b,  the  end  uniting  the  sternum ; 
C,  the  sternum ;  D,  the  scapula,  or  shoulder-blade  ;  c,  the 
neck ;  d,  coracoid  process,  or  apophysis  ;  g,  the  anterior  spina- 
tus  fossa ;  h,  the  spine  ;  between  e  and  /  lies  the  base,  which 
is  the  extent  of  the  cartilage  of  the  scapula ;  between  c  and  e 
is  the  posterior  costa ;  and  between  d  and  /  lies  the  anterior 
costa. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  BONY  STRUCTURE.  13 

The  Fore  Legs.  —  E,  the  humerus ;  k,  cervix  and  head, 
uniting  the  shoulder-blade  ;  F,  the  ulna;  the  upper  extremity, 
m,  forms  the  olecranon,  or  elbow  ;  n,  n,  the  radius  ;  G,  G,  the 
carpus,  or  knees,  consisting  of  seven  bones  ;  H,  H,  the  meta- 
carpal or  shank  bones ;  o,  o,  the  cannons ;  p,  p,  the  small 
metacarpal ;  q,  q,  the  pastern ;  r,  r,  the  sessamoids  j  s,  s,  the 
coronets,  or  small  pastern  bones ;  t,  t,  the  coffin  bones,  or  os 
pedis. 

The  Pelvis  and  Hind  Legs.  —  /,  the  pelvis,  made  up  of 
three  bones ;  a,  b,  c,  the  illiiun ;  </,  the  ischium,  and  e,  the 
pubis ;  that  part  of  the  illium  a  forms  the  hip,  or  haunch  ; 
g,  the  foramen  thyroideum  ;  k,  the  femur,  or  thigh  bone  ;  h, 
the  cervix  and  head,  articulating  with  the  lower  extremity  of 
the  pelvis ;  i,  the  great  trochanter ;  k,  k,  the  anterior  con- 
dyles ;  /,  /,  the  posterior  condyles  ;  m,  m,  the  patella,  or  stifle 
joint;  n,ii,  the  tibia;  o,  o,  fibula;  L,  tarsus,  or  hock,  con- 
sists of  six  bones  ;  p.  p,  forms  the  points  of  the  hocks  ;  M,  the 
metatarsi;  q,  the  cannon,  or  shank;  below  are  the  seramoids, 
large  and  small  pasterns,  navicular  and  coffin  bone. 


ANATOMY  AND  PHYSIOLOGY 


OF 

THE    HORSE 


"  In  horses  or  cattle,  it  is  probable  that  almost  all  diseases  may  be  prevented  by 
judicious  management  with  regard  to  feeding,  breeding,  rearing,  and  exercise."  — 
Dr.  White,  V.  S. 

"Nature  is  ever  busy,  by  the  silent  operation  of  her  own  forces,  endeavoring  to 
cure  disease.  Her  medicines  are  air,  warmth,  food,  water,  and  sleep.  Their  use  is 
directed  by  instinct ;  and  that  man  is  most  worthy  the  name  of  physician,  who  most 
reveres  its  unerring  laws."  —  Dr.  Dixon. 


THE  CAUSES  OF  COMPLAINT,   AND  THE  REASON  WHY  WE  ADVO- 
CATE A  REFORM  IN  VETERINARY  PRACTICE. 

Mr.  Youatt  writes,  that  the  annual  loss  of  cattle  in  Eng- 
land, by  disease,  amounts  to  $50,000,000 !  and  the  loss  of 
sheep  at  one  tenth  of  the  whole  number ;  and,  though  there 
the  veterinary  art  is  taught  as  a  science  in  the  endowed  col- 
leges, and  regular  professors  practise  it  throughout  the  king- 
dom, he  says  it  is  difficult  to  say  which  is  the  greatest  source 
of  this  immense  loss,  "  the  ignorance  and  obstinacy  of  the 
cow  leach,  or  the  ignorance  and  supineness  of  the  owner." 
To  make  this  declaration  clear  and  conclusive,  we  will  con- 
sider the  principal  reasons  why  the  healing  art  has  never  yet 
derived  much,  if  any,  improvement  from  all  the  various  labors 
that  the  faculty  have  bestowed  on  it.  We  wish  the  reader  to 
understand,  that  the  same  reasoning  applies  to  animals,*  for 
they  require  the  same  general  treatment  as  mankind,  viz.,  by 
aiding  the  vital  powers. 

If  the  remedies  are  ever  adapted  to  destroy  life  or  injure  the 


16  CAUSES    OF    COMPLAINT. 

system  of  man,  they  are  also  adapted  to  injure  that  of  the 
horse,  and  all  domestic  animals.  If  they  ever  recover  from  the 
effects  of  the  lancet  and  poison,  we  must  attribute  it  to  the 
power  of  the  system  to  defend  itself  against  all  encroach- 
ments upon  its  sanative  operations.  If  good  medicine,  such 
as  experience  teaches  us,  always  operates  in  favor  of  health, 
and  has  a  tendency  to  remove  disease,  it  always  has  that 
tendency,  both  on  man  and  domestic  animals,  and  is  proper 
to  be  administered  whenever  the  state  of  the  system  demands 
it.  The  great  fault  of  physicians,  in  estimating  the  labors 
of  their  predecessors,  has  ever  been,  that  they  either  received 
or  condemned  by  wholesale  every  previous  system,  abandon- 
ing the  truth  with  the  errors,  and  subjecting  themselves  to 
the  necessity  of  travelling  over  the  whole  ground  again.  By 
this  means  their  confidence  is  impaired  in  their  ability  ever 
to  arrive  at  the  simple  truth. 

Hippocrates,  the  earliest  systematic  writer  on  medicine, 
discovered  by  careful  observation  the  existence  of  a  principle 
which  he  styled  Nature.  To  this  principle  he  attributes  a 
species  of  intelligence,  and  conceived  that  one  of  its  most 
important  offices  is  to  attract  to  the  body  what  is  beneficial, 
and  to  reject  from  it  what  would  prove  injurious.  This  is  a 
truth  which  no  argument  can  disprove. 

Sydenham  says  our  misfortunes  proceed  from  our  having 
long  since  forsaken  our  skilful  guide,  Hippocrates,  and  the 
ancient  method  of  cure  founded  upon  the  knowledge  of 
conjunct  cases  that  plainly  appear,  insomuch  that  the  art 
which  is  this  day  practised,  being  invented  by  superficial 
reasoning,  is  rather  the  art  of  talking  than  of  healing. 

D'Alembert  represents  the  state  of  the  science  :  "  Nature 
is  fighting  with  disease.  A  blind  man  armed  with  a  club, 
that  is,  a  physician,  comes  to  settle  the  difference.  He  first 
tries  to  make  peace.  When  he  cannot  accomplish  this,  he 
lifts  his  club  and  strikes  at  random.  If  he  strikes  the  disease, 
he  kills  the  disease  ;  if  he  strikes  nature,  he  kills  nature." 

The  very  principles  upon  which  medical  theories  are  based 
were  never  established.     They  are,  and  always  were,  false. 


CAUSES    OF    COMPLAINT. 


17 


Dr.  Rush  says,  "  Dissections  daily  convince  us  of  our  igno- 
rance of  the  seats  of  disease,  and  cause  us  to  blush  at  our 
prescriptions."  He  also  adds,  "We  have  assisted  in  multi- 
plying disease  :  we  have  done  more,  —  we  have  increased 
their  mortality."  If  it  be  true  what  Dr.  Rush  and  hundreds 
of  others  assert,  that  the  science  of  medicine,  as  practised  at 
the  present  day,  is  no  science  at  all,  — and  who  doubts  it  ?  — 
then  we  can  easily  account  for  the  sad  havoc,  that,  accord- 
ing to  Youatt,  has  taken  place  in  the  animal  kingdom.  Well 
may  we  exclaim,  They  have  been  swept  away  as  by  the  blast 
of  a  dire  tornado.  The  lancet,  antimony,  and  corrosive  sub- 
limate have  been  more  destructive  than  the  pestilential  sword. 
They  are  the  Samsons  of  a  barbarous  practice,  and  have  slain 
their  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands. 

The  great  bone  of  contention  among  men  has  been,  "  What 
are  nature's  intentions  ?  and  with  what  means,  and  in  what 
manner,  shall  we  second  them  ?  " 

To  this  Professor  Curtis  replies,  "While  Hippocrates  ad- 
hered in  practice  to  his  correct  principles,  that  nature  should  be 
aided  by  means  and  processes  that  act  in  harmony  with  her 
intentions,  his  practice  was  universally  successful ;  but  when 
he  departed  from  established  principles,  in  the  use  of  unknown 
agents,  which  proved  useless  and  injurious,  he  often  failed  of 
curing  disease. 

"  It  must  never  be  forgotten  that,  while  the  learned  were 
verging  to  something  like  a  correct  theory  of  vital  action  in 
a  healthy  body,  they  were  departing  farther  and  farther  from 
the  truth  in  two  other  points  of  importance. 

"  1st.  They  were  settling  their  minds  in  the  belief  that,  in 
every  case  of  the  encroachment  of  offending  causes,  this  very 
vital  power,  so  essential  to  health,  in  rising  to  expel  them, 
becomes  at  once  the  very  sum  and  essence  of  disease,  ('vital 
action  cannot  be  a  diseased  action,' )  and  must  be  checked, 
subdued,  and  destroyed  at  all  hazards.  But,  rinding  none 
of  the  innocent  and  life-supporting  remedies  calculated  to  do 
this  work  in  a  direct  manner,  as  the  effect  of  their  adminis- 
tration, — 

3 


IS  CAUSES    OF    COMPLAINT. 

"  2d.  They  gradually  departed  from  the  use  of  nature's 
remedies,  and  introduced  into  their  therapeutics  the  processes 
of  bleeding,  blistering,  the  knife,  and  caustic ;  and  into  their 
Materia  Medica  the  most  deadly  poisons  contained  in  the 
threefold  kingdom  of  nature,  whether  derived  at  once  from 
her  laboratory,  or  detached  from  her  compounds  by  the  use 
of  her  powers,  under  the  guidance  of  chemical  science. 

"  In  the  beginning  of  the  sixteenth  century,  the  famous 
chemist  Paracelsus  introduced  a  new  system  into  medicine, 
founded  on  the  principles  of  his  art.  Hitherto  the  physicians 
rejected  the  use  of  opium,  calomel,  and  other  efficacious 
remedies.  Efficacious  they  have  been,  as  the  ghosts  of 
murdered  millions  could  declare  !  Here,  it  seems,  that  for  the 
art  of  aiding  nature  in  her  efforts  to  remove  disease,  which 
had  been  practised  with  a  tolerable  degree  of  consistency,  and 
with  astonishing  success,  by  Hippocrates  and  Galen,  was  sub- 
stituted the  general  use  of  poisons,  which,  however,  in  other 
respects  agree  in  l  suddenly  and  rapidly  extinguishing  a  great 
portion  of  the  vitality  of  the  system ! '  O,  what  a  falling 
off  was  there ! 

"  Permutations  in  the  extent  of  depletion,  or  the  quantity  of 
poison  to  be  given,  the  particular  articles  containing  it,  the 
locality  or  the  manner  of  the  applications,  the  stage  of  the 
disease,  or  the  hour  of  the  day  to  be  chosen  for  operation, 
have  indeed  been  studied,  and  tried,  and  guessed  at ;  but  still 
the  chief  practice  consists  in  bleeding,  blistering,  cutting, 
burning,  physicking,  poisoning  in  some  shape  or  other ;  inso- 
much that  old  Time  long  ago  hung  up  his  scythe  as  useless.'1 

The  veterinary  science  was  ushered  into  existence  by  men 
who  practised  according  to  the  doctrines  of  the  theoretical 
schools.  We  may  trace  it  in  its  infancy  when,  in  Er gland, 
in  the  year  1788,  it  was  rocked  in  the  cradle  of  Allopathy  by 
Sainbel,  its  texture  varying  to  suit  the  skill  of  Clark,  Law- 
rence, Field,  Blaine,  and  Coleman  ;  yet  with  all  their  amount 
of  talent  and  wisdom,  their  pupils  must  acknowledge  that 
the  melancholy  triumph  of  disease  over  its  victims  clearly 
evinces  that  their  combined  stock  of  knowledge  is  insufficient 


CAUSES    OF    COMPLAINT.  19 

to  perfect  the  veterinary  science.  Dr.  J.  Bell  says,  "  Anato- 
my is  the  basis  of  medical  skill;  "  yet,  in  another  part  of  his 
work,  he  says,  "  It  enables  the  physician  to  guess  at  the  seat, 
.or  causes,  or  consequences  of  disease!"  This  is  what  we 
propose  hereafter  to  call  the  science  —  the  science  of  guess- 
ing !  If  such  is  the  immense  mortality  (as  Mr.  Youatt  states) 
in  England,  —  a  country  that  boasts  of  her  veterinary  insti- 
tutions, and  embraces  within  her  medical  halo  some  of  the 
brightest  luminaries  of  the  present  century, — what,  we  ask, 
is  the  mortality  in  the  United  States,  where  the  veterinary 
science  scarcely  has  an  existence,  and  where  not  one  man  in 
a  hundred  can  tell  a  disease  of  the  bowels  from  one  of  the 
lungs  ?  Profiting  by  the  experience  of  these  men,  we  are  in 
hopes  to  build  up  a  system  of  practice  that  will  stand  a  tower 
of  strength  amid  the  rude  shock  of  medical  theories.  We 
have  discovered  that  the  lancet  is  a  powerful  depressor  of 
vitality,  and  that  poisons  derange,  instead  of  producing, 
healthy  action.  That  they  are  generally  resorted  to  in  this 
country,  no  one  will  deny,  and  often  by  men  who  are  un- 
acquainted with  the  nature  of  the  destructive  agents  they  are 
making  use  of.  The  common  practice  of  administering  aloes, 
in  diseases  resulting  from  a  common  cold,  is  just  as  destruc- 
tive as  poisoning  and  bloodletting.  Dr.  J.  Boutall,  V.  S.,  of 
London,  states  that  " aloes  given  to  ahorse  that  is  laboring 
under  a  cold  is  likely  to  produce  glanders." 

Dr.  Vines,  demonstrator  of  anatomy  in  the  Royal  College, 
states  that  "  physicking  a  horse  when  there  is  a  discharge  from 
the  nostrils  will  produce  glanders."  The  author  has  known 
death  to  result  from  the  administration  of  a  ball  containing 
eight  drachms  of  aloes  and  one  drachm  of  calomel.  A  friend 
informed  us  that  he  occasionally  puts  up  physic  balls  for 
horses  containing  three  ounces  of  aloes.  An  eminent  profes- 
sor has  said  that  "  purgatives,  besides  being  uncertain  and 
uncontrollable,  often  kill  from  the  dangerous  irritation  and 
debility  they  produce."  The  good  results  that  sometimes 
follow  the  exhibition  of  drastic  purges,  antimony,  &c,  must 
be  attributed  to  the  sanative  action  of  the  constitution  of  the 


20  CAUSES    OF    COMPLAINT. 

animal,  though  it  be  an  agent  injurious  in  its  nature,  and  it 
depends,  in  all  cases,  on  the  existing  ability  of  the  vital  power 
to  counteract  its  effects. 

We  are  told  by  the  professors  of  allopathy  that  their  medi- 
cines constitute  a  class  of  deadly  poisons,  and  when  given  in 
large  doses,  destroy  life  ;  "  yet  if  given  with  a  scientific  hand, 
and  in  small  doses,  they  cure  disease."  We  deny  their  power 
to  cure.  If  antimony,  corrosive  sublimate,  &c,  ever  proved 
destructive,  they  always  possess  that  power,  and  can  never 
be  used  with  any  degree  of  assurance  that  they  will  promote 
the  healthy  secretions.  What  difference  does  it  make  whether 
poisons  are  given  by  the  scientific  or  the  unscientific  ?  Does 
it  alter  the  tendency  which  all  poisons  possess,  namely,  that 
of  rapidly  depriving  the  system  of  vitality. 

Many  of  the  farming  community,  and  owners  of  horses, 
to  whom  the  author  has  made  known  his  system,  are  in  favor 
of  the  reform ;  they  are  determined  to  have  a  safer  system 
of  medication. 

The  author  has  received  numerous  communications,  from 
individuals  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States,  encour- 
aging him  to  proceed  in  the  good  work.  The  following 
extracts  will  show  that  there  is  need  of  reform,  and  that  the 
harvest  is  ripe. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  H.  Clay,  dated 

Philadelphia,  Nov.  25,  1849. 

There  is  no  department  in  the  medical  world  in  which 
there  is  such  a  lamentable  want  of  knowledge  as  that  of  the 
proper  treatment  of  Horses  and  Cattle.  Whoever  shall  sup- 
ply this  deficiency  ought  to  be  regarded  as  a  great  benefactor, 
and  I  shall  be  very  glad  if  your  exertions  shall  entitle  you  to 
that  merit.  With  great  respect,  I  am  your  ob't  servant, 

Dr.  Geo.  H.  Dadd.  H.  CLAY. 

Pittsfield,  Dec.  10,  1849. 
Dear  Sir:    I  received  your  letter    explaining    the    princi- 
ples on  which  you  propose  to  reform  veterinary  science.     Yon 


CAUSES    OF    COMPLAINT. 


21 


have  my  thanks,  and,  in  my  opinion,  are  entitled  to  the  thanks 
of   the  community  for    entering  upon  this  important  work. 
While  the  subject  has  engaged  the  attention  of  scientific  men 
in  other  countries,  it  has  been  too  long  neglected  in  our  own. 
Cruelty  and  ignorance  have  marked  our  treatment  to  diseased 
animals.     Ignorant  himself  both  of  the  disease  and  the  rem- 
edy, the  owner  has  been  in  the  habit  of  administering  the 
popular  remedy  of  every  neighbor  who  had  no  better  powers 
of  knowing  what  should  be  done  than  himself,  until  the  poor 
animal,  if   the  disease  would  not  have  proved  fatal,  is  left 
alone,  until  death,  with  a   friendly   hand,   puts  a  period  to 
his  sufferings;  he  is,  however,  often  destroyed  by  the  amount 
or  destructive  character  of  the  remedies,  or  else  by  the  cruel 
mode  of  administering  them.     I  am  persuaded  that  the  com- 
munity will  approve  of  your  exertions,  and  find  it  to  their 
interest  to  support  and  sustain  your  system. 
Wishing  you  great  success, 

I  am  yours  truly, 
G.  H.  Dadd,  M.  D.  GEO.  N.  BRIGGS. 

Lawrence  Academy,  Groton,  Nov.  19,  1848. 
Dr.  Dadd  :  Sir  —  Your  letter  and  circular  were  duly  re- 
ceived. In  no  profession,  perhaps,  has  quackery  prevailed 
more  than  in  the  medical,  and  in  no  branch  of  medicine  more 
than  in  horse  and  cattle  doctoring.  But  we  are  seeing  better 
days;  when  your  principles  shall  become  known,  improve- 
ment must   be  rapid,  especially  when  such  a  wide  field  is 

open. 

Very  truly  yours, 

J.  MEANS. 


22  GENERAL    HISTORY    OF    THE    HORSE. 


GENERAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  HORSE. 

At  the  head  of  the  many  varieties  of  the  Horse  stands  the 
equus  caballus,  or  common  horse.  Although  there  are  many 
varieties  of  hoofed  animals,  the  horse  is  distinguished  from 
other  animals  by  having  the  quadrupedal  phalanges  united  and 
surrounded  with  a  hoof,  which  does  not  admit  of  its  grasping 
any'  thing.  Hence  these  animals  of  the  tribe  ungulata,  or 
hoofed,  having  but  one  toe,  belong  to  the  tribe  solipeda,  or 
single-hoofed. 

The  original  country  of  the  horse  cannot  now  with  cer- 
tainty be  ascertained,  although  many  naturalists  think  that 
he  is  indigenous  to  most  countries,  for  he  is  to  be  found  in 
different  temperatures,  and  varying  in  size  and  utility. 

The  precise  time  when  this  animal  was  first  domesticated 
is  very  uncertain.  The  sacred  writings  inform  us,  that,  when 
Jacob  went  into  Egypt  to  procure  corn,  he  sent  up  oxen, 
camels,  and  asses.  Chariots  and  horses,  however,  appear  to 
have  been  used  by  Pharaoh,  when  that  prince  lost  his  army 
in  the  Red  Sea.  Greece,  doubtless,  amongst  other  things, 
learned  the  art  of  subduing  these  animals  from  the  Egyptians. 
History  informs  us  that  horse  and  chariot  races  were  highly 
esteemed  at  their  games,  and  Homer  mentions  them  as  early 
as  the  Trojan  war.  Wild  horses  have  been  found  in  count- 
less droves  in  the  great  plains  of  Tartary.  Solomon,  in  his 
traffic  with  foreign  nations,  would  have  obtained  Arabian 
horses,  if  in  his  day  they  had  been  as  highly  esteemed  as 
now;  but  we  are  told  that  Egypt  furnished  him.  Mahomet, 
at  the  commencement  of  his  career,  did  not  possess  any  cav- 
alry. Indeed,  we  are  credibly  informed,  that,  when  presents 
were  made  to  the  Arabian  princes,  even  as  late  as  the  fourth 
century,  horses  were  considered  the  most  acceptable  offering  ; 
from  which  circumstance  we  may  conclude,  that,  however 
superior  the  present  breed  of  horses  in  that  country  may  be, 
the  climate  and  industry  have  brought  these  animals  to  that 
esteem  in  which  they  are  at  present  held.     The  Romans,  in 


EXTERNAL  CONFORMATION  OF  THE  HORSE.         23 

their  conquests,  extended  the  general  use  of  the  horse,  and 
appear  to  have  applied  themselves  to  its  improvement. 


EXTERNAL  CONFORMATION  OE  THE  HORSE. 

The  head  is  one  of  the  first  parts  of  the  horse  that  will 
convey  to  judges  the  quality  of  the  breed.  Nothing  of  beau- 
ty can  surpass  the  prominent  outlines  of  the  head  of  the  high- 
mettled  blood  horse,  which  is  small,  lean,  and  angular ;  the 
forehead  proportionally  broad ;  the  ears  small  and  pointed ; 
the  eyes  full  and  prominent ;  the  lips  deep,  firm,  by  no  means 
hanging  loose  ;  the  nostrils  open  and  wide ;  and  the  mouth 
not  too  small. 

The  neck  should  rise  from  the  chest  with  a  moderate 
curve,  and  be  neither  too  long  nor  too  short ;  horses  with  a 
short,  thick  neck  possess  great  strength,  but  are  seldom 
noted  for  speed.  From  the  top  of  the  neck  rises  the  mane, 
which  nature  appears  to  have  added  as  an  ornament  and 
beauty  to  this  noble  animal.  The  shoulders  should  run  in  a 
slanting  direction  forward  from  the  withers  to  the  shoulder 
points,  and  should  be  muscular,  but  not  heavy,  as  they  are 
particularly  essential  to  the  movements  of  the  horse.  Be- 
tween the  points  of  the  shoulder  lies  the  chest,  which  should 
be  moderately  expansive  and  prominent,  in  order  to  allow  the 
lungs  to  have  a  free  action. 

The  trunk,  from  the  ribs  nearest  the  chest,  should  be  wide 
towards  the  back,  and  generally  deepened,  in  order  to  give 
the  form  which  is  termed  deep  in  the  girths  ;  and  as  the  ribs 
decrease  in  size,  they  ought  to  be  more  circular,  which  gives 
the  belly  a  round  appearance,  and  is  more  esteemed,  not  only 
for  the  beauty,  but  because  it  is  accounted  more  healthy. 
The  loins  cannot  be  too  broad  and  full,  especially  when 
strength  is  required ;  they  should  be  more  rounded  and  l'ong ; 
the  tail  should  form  a  graceful  curve  with  the  loins.  The 
fore  legs  are  straight,  gradually  approaching  each  other  as 


24         EXTERNAL  CONFORMATION  OF  THE  HORSE. 

they  descend  to  the  feet ;  the  arm  should  be  muscular  and 
large  ;  when  small,  it  generally  denotes  want  of  strength  ;  the 
knee  large  and  flat,  and  the  shank  muscular  and  firm,  and  by 
no  means  fleshy.  The  thighs  of  the  horse  should  be  exceed- 
ingly strong  and  muscular  ;  the  stifle  should  be  of  considerable 
length,  as  that  denotes  speed.  The  hock  is  the  most  material 
joint  of  the  animal,  and  should  be  broad  and  wide  ;  it  is 
subject  to  many  diseases,  and  ought  to  be  well  looked  to. 
The  feet  also  require  attention,  and  are  more  frequently  mis- 
shapen ;  they  should  not  be  too  upright,  which  tends  to  open 
the  heel,  and  thus  the  feet  become  faulty  and  diseased  ;  the 
horn  should  be  of  considerable  size,  otherwise  the  foot  is 
easily  hurt,  and  rendered  unhealthy.  By  reference  to  plate 
No.  1,  the  reader  may  become  acquainted  with  the  bony 
structure  of  this  noble  animal. 

On  the  Teeth.  —  A  horse  has  forty  teeth  when  he  has 
completed  his  full  number;  a  mare  usually  only  thirty-six. 
The  horse  has,  during  life,  two  sets  of  teeth  —  a  temporary 
and  a  permanent  set.  The  first  appears  shortly  after  birth  ; 
the  others  appear  gradually,  as  the  temporary  set  fall  out; 
and  the  change  is  completed  about  the  fifth  year.  These 
two  sets  of  teeth  appear  at  an  interval  of  a  few  years  be- 
tween them ;  yet  the  rudiments  of  both  are  formed  nearly  at 
the  same  period.  It  is  essentially  necessary  that  there  should 
be  two  sets  of  teeth  ;  for,  as  they  grow  but  slowly  in  propor- 
tion to  the  jaws,  had  there  been  but  one  set,  the  disproportion 
in  growth  between  the  teeth  and  jaws  must  have  separated 
and  made  them  wide  apart  as  the  jaws  increased.  The 
manner  in  which  the  temporary  teeth  are  removed  is  very 
curious  ;  —  it  is  occasioned  by  the  pressure  of  the  permanent 
teeth  upon  the  roots  of  the  former;  this  causes  a  gradual 
absorption  of  the  roots,  so  that,  after  a  time,  having  no  sup- 
port, they  fall  out.  The  teeth  are  covered  with  a  hard  sub- 
stance called  enamel  ;  this  enamel  surrounds  the  tooth,  and 
is  indented  or  sunk  into  it,  forming  a  pit,  or  hollow,  which 
preserves  the  body  of  the  tooth  from  being  injured.  In  pro- 
cess of  time,  however,  the  enamel  is  worn  down  below  the 


PROGRESS  OF  THE  VETERINARY  ART  IN  ENGLAND.     25 

holloy/-,  and  a  brown  mark  appears  on  them,  which  indicates 
age.     To  ascertain  the  age  of  a  horse,  see  Age,  part  second. 


PROGRESS  OP  THE  VETERINARY  ART  IN  ENGLAND. 

England  appears  to  have  been  almost  the  last,  among  the 
nations  of  Europe,  which  encouraged  the  study  of  this  use- 
ful profession.  In  the  year  1788,  proposals  for  establishing  a 
veterinary  school 'in  London  were  published  by  M.  V.  de  Sain- 
bel,  who  had  previously  received  a  professional  education  at 
the  Royal  College  at  Lyons.  These  proposals  received  no 
attention.  In  1789,  he  published  fresh  proposals  to  read  lec- 
tures on  the  veterinary  science.  These  met  with  no  better 
success.  In  1790,  a  plan  for  establishing  an  institution  for 
teaching  the  art  was  published,  and  produced  a  good  effect, 
and  ultimately  led  to  the  formation  of  the  Veterinary  College 
of  London. 

Among  the  first  of  the  medical  profession,  who  subscribed 
towards  the  support  of  this  institution,  were  Drs.  J.  Hunter 
and  Crawford.  These  distinguished  surgeons  saw  its  impor- 
tance, as  opening  a  field  for  the  cultivation  of  comparative 
anatomy,  which  was  the  cause  of  their  rendering  it  all  the 
assistance  in  their  power. 

It  is  also  stated  that  the  Duke  of  Northumberland  was 
elected  president,  and  contributed  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
guineas  towards  the  support  of  this  most  useful  institution. 

Among  the  names  of  the  first  pupils  who  entered  the  col- 
lege are  Clark,  Lawrence,  Field,  and  Blain.  The  latter  was 
educated  as  a  human  surgeon.  A  medical  committee  was 
shortly  afterwards  appointed,  consisting  of  the  most  distin- 
guished practitioners  in  London,  by  whom  the  pupils  were 
examined,  and  if  found  to  have  acquired  a  sufficient  knowl- 
edge of  the  art,  certificates  were  granted. 

Professor  Coleman  likewise  succeeded  in  procuring  the 
patronage  of  government ;  and  for  several  successive  years  a 
4 


26     PROGRESS  OF  THE  VETERINARY  ART  IN  ENGLAND. 

sum  of  money  was  voted  by  the  Parliament,  towards  the  aid 
of  the  institution.  George  the  Third  granted  the  rank  of 
commissioned  officers  to  such  as  might  be  appointed  to  regi- 
ments. About  the  year  1827,  the  directors  of  the  East  India 
Company,  observing  the  good  effect  produced  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  veterinary  surgeons  to  the  British  cavalry,  were  like- 
wise induced  to  grant  the  like  appointment  to  young  men 
who  might  think  fit  to  join  the  native  India  regiments. 

A  course  of  lectures  is  still  given  by  the  professors  through- 
out the  season  ;  the  pupils  are  still  examined  by  a  medical 
committee.  Demonstrations  in  anatomy,  &c,  are  given  daily, 
and  the  pupils  have  the  advantage  of  dissecting  subjects 
themselves,  and  also  of  seeing  the  practice  of  the  infirmary. 

The  following  is  from  one  of  the  works  of  the  first  pro- 
fessors :  "  We  know  that  physicians  of  all  ages  applied  them- 
selves to  the  dissection  of  animals,  and  that  it  was  almost 
entirely  by  analogy  that  those  of  Greece  and  Rome  judged 
of  the  structure  of  the  human  body.  We  are  told  that 
Herophilus  and  Erasistratus  studied  anatomy  on  the  human 
frame  some  centuries  before  the  Christian'  era,  and  that  the 
former  even  dissected  living  subjects,  having  obtained  the 
bodies  of  malefactors  for  that  purpose.  On  the  other  hand, 
it  is  abundantly  proved  by  history,  that  the  great  progress  in 
anatomy,  till  within  a  few  centuries,  was  made  by  the  dis- 
section of  brutes.  A  superstitious  reverence  for  the  dead, 
which  prevailed  for  many  centuries,  confined  the  Greeks  and 
Arabians  to  the  dissection  of  apes  and  quadrupeds.  Galen 
has  given  us  the  anatomy  of  the  ape  for  that  of  man ;  and  it 
is  evident  that  his  dissections  were  restricted  to  brutes,  when 
he  says  that  if  learned  physicians  have  been  guilty  of  gross 
error,  it  was  because  they  neglected  to  dissect  animals. 
Erasistratus  was  the  first  who  discovered  the  lacteals  in 
kids,  which  he  opened  a  short  time  after  they  had  sucked. 
He  observed  the  valves  of  the  heart,  and  demonstrated,  con- 
trary to  the  opinion  of  Plato,  that  there  was,  behind  the  wind- 
pipe, a  canal  or  passage,  viz.,  the  oesophagus,  whose  office 
was  to  convey  food  into  the  stomach.     Rufus  of  Ephesus,  we 


PROGRESS  OF  THE  VETERINARY  ART  IN  ENGLAND.     27 

are  told,  described  those  two  ducts,  the  discovery  of  which  is 
attributed  to  Fallopius,  and  from  him  are  called  the  Fallopian 
tubes.  These* he  discovered  in  dissecting  the  womb  of  a 
ewe,  and  adds,  that  he  strongly  suspects  them  to  be  seminal 
vessels,  and  of  the  same  nature  with  those  of  the  male. 
Galen  demonstrated,  in  Rome,  on  living  animals,  the  organs 
of  sound  and  respiration  ;  he  made  several  observations  on 
the  brain  of  animals  ;  he  also  showed  the  effect  produced  by 
ligature  on  the  recurrent  nerves.  Vesalius  proved,  by  experi- 
ment on  animals,  that  it  was  possible  to  restore  suspended 
animation,  by  inflating  the  lungs  artificially,  which  discovery 
has  saved  the  lives  of  many  individuals.  Croon  and  Hook, 
two  English  physicians,  repeated  the  same  experiments,  a 
century  afterwards,  and  with  success.  Wharton,  a  physician 
of  London,  discovered  the  salivary  glands  in  an  ox. 

In  1659,  Eustachius  was  the  first  who  found  out  the  tho- 
racic duct  in  the  horse  ;  a  hundred  years  afterwards,  the  same 
canal  was  discovered  in  man  by  the  immortal  Harvey.  Dr. 
Wren,  professor  of  the  University  of  Oxford,  made  several 
experiments  on  living  animals,  to  be  assured  of  the  effect  of 
different  substances  on  the  blood  and  solid  parts,  the  result 
of  which  experiments  was  to  confirm  the  discovery  of  Har- 
vey, which  for  the  space  of  forty  years  was  strenuously 
opposed.  Gesner  Aselius,  professor  of  anatomy  at  Pavia, 
repeated  the  discovery  of  the  lacteal  veins  in  the  mesentery, 
in  brute  bodies,  which  had  formerly  been  known  to  Erasis- 
tratus  and  Herophilus.  Pecquet  traced  them  to  the  thorax, 
and  completed  his  discovery  by  that  of  the  thoracic  duct.  It 
was  in  the  body  of  brutes,  also,  that  Bartholinus  discovered 
the  vasa  lymphatica. 

S tenon,  a  native  of  Copenhagen,  but  afterwards  physician 
to  Ferdinand  the  Second,  Grand  Duke  of  Tuscany,  discovered, 
in  1661,  the  excretory  ducts  of  the  lachrymal  glands  in  the 
eye  of  a  sheep.  Malpighi  and  Bellini,  in  1665,  described  the 
organs  of  taste  in  quadrupeds.  Observations  on  the  organs 
of  feeling  were  first  made  on  the  skins  of  brutes,  and  after- 
wards verified  on  the  human  skin.     Weiff  made  experiments 


28  PROGRESS    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART    IN    ENGLAND. 

on  the  hearts  of  living  animals,  to  prove  that  the  auricles 
were  equal.  In  1641,  Hoffman  discovered  the  excretory  duct 
of  the  pancreas  in  a  turkey-cock.  The  peristaltic  motion  of 
the  intestines  was  first  discovered  in  animals.  In  short,  the 
greater  part  of  the  functions  in  the  human  frame  were  first 
made  known  by  the  general  analogy  subsisting  between  the 
functions  of  animal  organization.  From  what  has  been  here 
written,  though  in  a  summary  manner,  it  appears  that  the 
science  is  efficient  in  itself,  and  has  given  unequivocal  proofs 
of  its  ability  to  enlarge  the  boundaries  of  general  medicine. 

Veterinary  Surgeon  Percival,  in  his  introductory  remarks 
to  a  series  of  elementary  lectures  on  veterinary  science,  in 
drawing  a  comparison  between  such  practitioners  who  have 
carefully  studied  anatomy,  and  those  who  have  not,  very  truly 
observes,  that  no  man  supposes  his  watch  can  be  repaired  at 
the  anvil,  though  there  are  those  who  send  their  horses  to  the 
blacksmith  to  be  cured  of  their  diseases.  They  know  that 
the  man  is  unacquainted  with  the  mechanism  of  a  watch ; 
and  yet  they  trust  him  with  a  machine,  to  which,  in  point  of 
complication,  a  watch  can  as  little  be  compared  as  a  rattle 
can  to  a  watch.  Why,  then,  are  men  so  blind  ?  Is  it  that  a 
horse  is  of  less  value  than  a  watch  ?  No !  It  is  owing  to 
the  vile  trash  diffused  as  treatises  on  farriery,  so  truly  disgust- 
ing to  a  man  of  common  reflection,  that  he  forms  his  opinion 
of  the  art  by  those  he  entertains  of  the  book.  "  Miserable 
animal!"  says  Sainbel,  "bereft  of  speech,  thou  canst  not 
complain,  when,  to  the  disease  with  which  thou  art  afflicted, 
excruciating  torments  are  superadded  by  ignorant  men,  who 
at  first  sight,  and  without  a  knowledge  of  thy  structure,  pro- 
nounce in  thy  case,  and  then  proceed  with  all  expedition  to 
open  thy  veins,  lacerate  thy  flesh,  cauterize  thy  sinews,  and 
drench  thy  stomach  with  drugs  opposed  to  the  cure  they 
engage  to  perform." 

A  veterinary  school  has  lately  been  established  in  Scot- 
land, where  every  thing  that  it  behooves  the  practitioner  to 
know  is  taught ;  and,  more  recently,  that  excellent  and  truly 
liberal  institution,  the  University  of  London,  has  admitted  a 


OUTLINES    OF    ANATOMY    IN    THE    HORSE.  29 

veterinary  school  under  its  roof;  and,  on  the  same  extended 
plan,  the  beneficial  results  of  this  will  be,  that  the  diseases  of 
cattle  and  sheep,  hitherto  so  disgracefully  neglected,  will  be 
better  understood,  and  the  dreadful  loss  which  the  country 
sustains  will  be  materially  diminished. 


OUTLINES  OF  ANATOMY  IN  THE  HORSE. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  STRUCTURE  OF  THE  DIFFERENT  ORGANS. 

The  animal  organization  is  divided  into  bones,  muscles, 
arteries,  veins,  nerves,  and  viscera. 

The  bones  are  hard  and  durable,  and  are  intended  to  form 
a  framework  for  the  support  of  the  softer  portions.  When 
divested  of  the  soft  portions,  they  form  the  skeleton.  The 
bones  are  united  together  by  ligamentary  and  fibrous  attach- 
ments, which  allow  free  motion  one  upon  another.  The 
articulating  surfaces  of  the  joints  are  covered  with  a  cushion 
or  cartilage,  and  lubricated  with  a  fluid  called  synovia,  which 
permits  them  to  move  freely  on  each  other,  without  friction. 
Their  name  and  location  will  be  found  on  referring  to  the 
engraving  of  the  skeleton,  accompanying  page  12. 

The  muscles  are  the  soft,  red,  fibrous  masses  called  flesh. 
They  are  susceptible  of  contraction  and  relaxation;  or,  in 
other  words,  become  shorter  and  longer,  and  are  subject  to 
the  will  of  the  animal :  for  this  reason,  they  are  termed  vol- 
untary muscles. 

Besides  these,  there  are  other  parts  which  owe  their  power 
of  contraction  to  the  vital  power  ;  yet  there  is  a  peculiar 
arrangement  about  some  of  their  muscular  fibres.  Thus  the 
heart  is  a  muscular  texture,  forming  a  circular  muscle  ;  and 
the  urinary  bladder,  stomach,  intestines,  &c,  —which  are  en- 
abled to  contract  upon  their  contents  and  expel  them,  whether 
the  animal  wills  it  or  not,  —  are  termed  involuntary  muscles. 

The  muscles  of  respiration,  being,  in  some  measure,  under 


30  OUTLINES  OF  ANATOMY  IN  THE  HORSE. 

the  influence  of  the  will,  are  said  to  have  a  mixed  motion. 
If  we  examine  the  fibres  of  muscles  attentively,  we  find  them 
not  in  straight,  but  in  zigzag  lines,  which  explains  how  they 
are  able  to  contract  and  expand.  These  fibres  may  be  divid- 
ed and  subdivided,  until  they  are  too  small  for  the  naked  eye 
to  see  ;  they  are  then  called  fascia,  and  these  fascia  are  again 
united  to  form  muscle.  In  a  work  of  this  description,  which 
is  intended  for  the  non-professional,  the  author  deems  it  un- 
necessary to  detail  the  names  of  the  different  muscles,  which 
would  involve  an  amount  of  matter  incompatible  with  the 
present  limits.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  names  of  the  vol- 
untary muscles  depend  on  their  size,  form,  use,  the  arrange- 
ment of  their  fibres,  or  their  origin  and  insertion. 

Nerves  are  long,  firm,  white  cords,  which  ramify  after  the 
manner  of  blood-vessels,  and  are  distributed  to  all  parts  of  the 
animal.  They  issue  from  the  brain,  medulla  oblongata,  and 
spinal  marrow.  They  consist  of  fascicula,  or  bundles  of  dis- 
tinct fibres,  closely  connected  together,  and  covered  with  a 
membrane  called  neurilema.  They  divide  into  branches, 
twigs,  and  threads,  which  again  subdivide  into  filaments.. 
They  are  named  from  their  origin,  use,  and  form.  Thus 
those  that  issue  from  the  brain  are  called  cerebral;  others, 
again,  from  the  spinal  cord,  are  called  spinal ;  those  in  the 
region  of  the  neck  are  called  cervical;  others,  issuing  from 
other  parts  of  the  spinal  column  towards  the  extremities,  are 
called  lumbar,  dorsal,  and  sacral.  These  names  correspond 
to  their  locations.     See  Nerves,  part  second. 

If  a  nervous  cord  is  cut  through,  as  in  nerving,  or  com- 
pressed with  force,  so  as  to  intercept  all  communication  with 
the  brain,  and  the  foot  to  which  it  is  distributed,  that  part 
becomes  paralyzed.  In  nerving  horses  or  cattle,  the  sensi- 
bility of  the  foot  is  wholly  or  partly  destroyed,  according  to 
the  nature  of  the  operation. 

Veins  are  the  vessels  that  return  the  blood  to  the  heart. 
The  texture  of  veins  is  much  more  slender  than  that  of 
arteries,  yet  they  possess  considerable  strength,  and  though 
sometimes  distended  to  their  utmost  capacity,  seldom  burst. 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


31 


The  veins  generally  accompany  the  arteries ;  but  as  the 
former  are  subject  to  pressure  from  the  muscles,  they  are 
more  numerous  than  arteries.  The  veins  are  provided  with 
valves,  which  appear  to  be  a  duplicature  of  their  inner  coat 
rising  into  a  fold.  In  the  human  subject,  there  are  two  of 
these  folds  to  form  a  valve  j  but  in  the  horse,  there  are  three  : 
these,  when  the  blood  by  pressure,  or  a  contraction  of  the 
capillary  structure,  is  arrested  in  its  course,  prevent  it  from 
returning. 

The  arteries  are  vessels  that  carry  the  blood  to  all  parts 
of  the  system,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  waste  that  is 
continually  going  on.  They  become  narrower  as  they  pro- 
ceed towards  the  extremities,  and  are  furnished  with  an  elastic, 
a  muscular,  and  a  membranous  coat.  Arteries  have  a  pulsat- 
ing motion  communicated  to  them  by  the  impulse  of  the 
heart,  by  which  they  are  distinguished  from  veins. 

The  viscera  are  certain  organs,  comprising  a  great  part  of 
the  structure  of  the  animal,  ordinarily  lodged  in  cavities,  as 
in  the  head,  the  chest,  the  pelvis,  and  abdomen. 

The  head  contains  the  brain,  from  which  issue  the  organs 
of  taste,  smell,  hearing,  sight,  &c.  The  chest  is  bounded  by 
the  ribs,  spinal  column,  breast  bone,  and  diaphragm,  called 
midriff.  It  contains  the  organs  of  respiration  and  circula- 
tion. The  abdomen  contains  the  organs  of  digestion.  The 
pelvis  contains  the  urinary  organs,  the  rectum,  and  most  of 
the  organs  of  generation. 


PHYSIOLOGY. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    USES    OF    THE    DIFFERENT    ORGANS    AND 
FUNCTIONS   OF  THE  HORSE. 

Nutrition.  —  The  living  body  is  constantly  losing  its  con- 
stituent parts  ;  this  waste  requires  to  be  made  up  by  the 
addition  of  new  matter  ;  and  when  the  stomach,  and  other 
parts  concerned  in  the  process  of  nutrition  and  digestion,  ar<* 


32  PHYSIOLOGY. 

in  a  healthy  state,  and  there  is  a  due  supply  of  food,  then 
this  renovation  is  continually  going  on.  Nutrition  may  be 
interrupted  by  various  causes,  which  will  be  discussed  in  the 
articles  Feeding,  Appetite,  &c. 

Digestion.  —  This  is  a  chemico-vital  action,  and  is  the  most 
extraordinary  phenomenon  we  can  contemplate,  and  worthy 
the  attention  of  those  for  whom  this  work  is  mainly  written. 
Every  part  of  the  animal  is  formed  from  the  blood,  which  is 
first  formed  from  the  food. 

Mastication.  —  The  animal,  by  means  of  the  teeth,  grinds 
or  breaks  up  the  food.  During  the  process,  it  is  moistened 
by  a  fluid  called  saliva,  which  is  secreted  by  glands  fitted  for 
that  purpose.  This  moistening  is  essential  to  the  passage  of 
the  food  down  the  gullet,  or  oesophagus,  into  the  stomach,  and 
afterwards,  probably,  assists  the  process  of  digestion.  Some- 
times horses  have  projections  on  the  grinding  teeth,  by  which 
mastication  is  rendered  painful  and  difficult ;  the  food  is  im- 
perfectly chewed,  and  therefore  difficult  of  digestion.  This 
is  injurious  to  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  consequently  the 
general  health  suffers. 

Chymiftcation.  —  The  food,  having  been  properly  moistened 
with  saliva,  is,  by  means  of  the  tongue,  with  the  assistance 
of  the  muscles,  pharynx,  and  gullet,  conveyed  into  the 
stomach.  Here  the  food  undergoes  the  first  process  of  di- 
gestion, and  is  converted  into  a  pulpy  mass,  called  chyme. 
The  agent  in  converting  food  into  chyme  is  the  gastric  juice, 
which  is  secreted  from  the  inner  walls  of  the  stomach.  This 
fluid  has  a  remarkably  solvent  power,  and  when  the  horse  is 
in  health,  acts  on  the  ordinary  articles  of  food.  Cases  are 
on  record  where  the  gastric  juice  had  corroded  and  dissolved 
the  coats  of  the  stomach,  after  death  ;  yet  it  cannot  act  on 
any  thing  while  it  retains  vitality.  Thus  we  often  find  bots 
in  the  stomach,  and  worms  in  the  intestines,  that  live  and 
generate,  unhurt,  by  that  fluid  ;  yet  the  moment  they  are 
deprived  of  vitality,  they  are  digested  or  dissolved. 

As  the  chyme  passes  from  the  stomach  through  its  lower 
^^ifice,  called  pylorus,  it  enters  the  first  of  the  small  intestines, 


PHYSIOLOGY.  33 

called  duodenum.  Here  it  meets  with  two  fluids,  one  secreted 
by  the  liver,  called  gall  or  bile,  and  the  other  secreted  by  the 
pancreas  or  sweetbread,  called  pancreatic  juice.  The  fluids 
from  both  are  conveyed  into  the  duodenum  by  small  tubes  or 
canals.  Immediately  after  the  admixture  of  the  chyme  with 
the  fluids,  it  begins  to  separate  into  two  distinct  portions,  one 
consisting  of  the  nutritious  portion,  called  the  chyle,  and  the 
other  the  refuse  portion,  part  of  which  forms  the  excrement. 

Absorption  of  the  Chyle.  —  The  intestines  are  composed,  in 
a  great  measure,  of  muscular  fibres,  some  of  which  run  in  a 
circular,  .and  others  in  a  longitudinal  direction.  When  the 
fibres  contract,  the  diameter  of  the  canal  is  diminished  ;  and 
when  the  longitudinal  fibres  are  in  action,  the  canal  is  short- 
ened ;  and  by  the  combined  action  of  these  fibres,  the  food 
is  gradually  propelled  through  the  whole  length  of  the  canal. 
The  internal  surface  of  the  intestines  consists  of  a  nervous 
and  vascular  membrane,  which  is  constantly  forming  a  mu- 
cous substance  for  its  own  protection.  In  cases  of  constipa- 
tion and  colic,  this  secretion  is  so  abundant  as  to  be  discharged 
in  considerable  quantity  with  the  dung.  There  is  also,  on  the 
inner  surface  of  the  intestines,  an  immense  number  of  minute 
vessels,  called  lacteals,  by  which  the  chyle  is  sucked  up  or 
absorbed.  The  lacteals  terminate  on  the  inner  surface  of  the 
intestines  by  small  tubes,  with  open  mouths.  These  tubes 
are  full  of  little  valves,  which  prevent  the  return  of  chyle. 
In  passing  through  these  canals,  the  fluid  traverses  small 
bodies,  called  mesenteric  glands.  Eventually,  the  whole  of 
the  lacteals  terminate  in  a  vessel  called  the  thoracic  duct, 
from  thence  into  one  of  the  jugular  veins,*  into  which  it 
empties.  The  chyle  thus  mixes  with  the  venous  blood  in  the 
veins,  and  goes  with  it  to  the  lungs,  where,  coming  in  contact 
with  atmospheric  air,  it  is  deprived  of  its  carbon,  and  assumes 
the  character  of  pure  arterial  blood.  There  are  other  vessels 
that  empty  into  the  thoracic  duct,  called  lymphatics  ;  these, 
with  the  lacteals,  form  what  is  termed  the  absorbent  system. 

*  It  enters  the  subclavian  vein  in  the  human  being. 
5 


34  PHYSIOLOGY. 

The  lymphatics  carry  a  fluid  called  lymph,  which  is  a 
limpid  fluid,  and  found  in  all  parts  of  the  body.  They  take 
up  substances  that  are  applied  to  their  mouths  ;  thus  the 
moisture  within  the  abdomen,  and  other  cavities,  or  poisons 
rubbed  on  the  hide,  are  taken  into  the  system.  The  absorb- 
ents also  assist  in  this  process,  the  latter  taking  up  all  the 
useless  matter,  and  conveying  it  into  the  blood,  that  it  may 
be  thrown  off  by  the  skin  and  kidneys,  in  the  form  of  urine 
and  perspiration. 

The  external  surface  pf  the  intestines  consists  of  perito- 
neum, a  membrane  from  which  the  viscera  of  the  abdomen 
derive  their  external  coat.  The  peritoneum  forms  also  a  kind 
of  sac,  in  which  they  are  enclosed.  The  first  portion  of 
intestine-duodenum  is  about  twenty  inches  in  length.  The 
next  is  named  jejunum ;  the  third  illium  :  this  terminates  in 
the  caecum,  or  first  of  the  large  intestines  :  here  there  is  a 
looseness  of  the  internal  coat,  which  allows  it  to  be  formed 
into  folds,  and  effectually  prevents  the  return  of  excrement 
into  the  small  intestines.  The  second  of  the  large  intestines 
is  named  colon.  It  is  small  at  its  commencement,  but  soon 
after  enlarges  into  a  very  capacious  canal,  which,  when  it  has 
passed  nearly  around  the  abdomen,  again  forms  a  second,  but 
slight  contraction ;  after  which  it  again  enlarges,  when,  less- 
ening a  third  time,  it  terminates  in  the  rectum.  The  anus, 
or  fundament,  is  the  termination  of  the  rectum,  and  is  shut 
by  a  circular  muscle,  termed  sphincter,  which  surrounds  the 
end  of  the  gut. 

Circulation  of  the  Blood.  —  Having  given  the  reader  some 
idea  of  the  manner  in  which  the  blood  is  made,  we  will  now 
consider  its  properties,  and  explain  how  it  is  propelled  and 
distributed  to  every  part  of  the  animal. 

The  appearance  of  blood  is  familiar  to  most  persons.  We 
have  already  stated  that  it  contains  the  elements  for  building 
up  and  nourishing  the  whole  animal  structure.  On  examin- 
ing blood  with  a  microscope,  it  is  found  full  of  little  red 
globules,  which  vary  in  their  size  and  shape  in  different  ani- 
mals, and  are  more  numerous  in  warm  than  in  cold  blooded 


(     35     ) 


Plate  No.  3. 


THE  HEART  VIEWED  EXTERNALLY. 


a,  the  left  ventricle  ;  b,  the  right  ventricle ;  c,  e,  f,  the  aorta ;  g,  h,  i,  the  carotid 
and  other  arteries  springing  from  the  aorta ;  k,  the  pulmonary  artery ;  I,  branches 
of  the  pulmonary  artery  in  the  lungs  ;  m,  m,  the  pulmonary  veins  emptying  into  the 
left  auricle ;  n,  the  right  auricle ;  o,  the  ascending  vena  cava ;  q ,  the  descending 
vena  cava ;  r,  the  left  auricle ;  s,  the  coronary  vein  and  artery.  See  Circulation 
OP  the  Blood,  on  the  opposite  page. 


36  PHYSIOLOGY. 

animals  :  probably  this  arises  from  the  fact  that  the  latter 
absorb  less  oxygen.  If  the  blood  of  one  animal  be  trans- 
fused into  another,  it  will  frequently  cause  death. 

When  blood  stands  for  a  time  after  being  drawn,  it  sepa- 
rates into  two  parts.  One  is  called  serum,  and  resembles  the 
white  of  an  egg  ;  the  other  is  the  clot  or  crassamentum,  and 
forms  the  red  coagulum,  or  jelly-like  substance  :  this  is  ac- 
companied by  whitish,  tough  threads,  called  fibrine.  When 
blood  has  been  drawn  from  a  horse,  and  it  assumes  a  cupped 
or  hollow  form,  if  serum,  or  buffy  coat,  remain  on  its  sur- 
face, it  denotes  an  impoverished  state  ;  but  if  the  whole, 
when  coagulated,  be  of  one  uniform  mass,  it  indicates  a 
healthy  state  of  this  fluid.  The  blood  of  a  young  horse 
generally  coagulates  into  a  firm  mass,  while  that  of  an  old  or 
debilitated  one  is  generally  less  dense,  and  more  easily  divided 
or  broken  down.  The  power  that  propels  the  blood  into  the 
different  ramifications  of  the  animal,  is  a  mechanico-vital 
power,  and  is  accomplished  through  the  medium  of  the  heart, 
which  is  a  powerful  muscular  organ  contained  in  the  chest. 
From  certain  parts  of  it  arteries  arise  ;  in  others  the  veins  ter- 
minate ;  and  it  is  principally  by  its  alternate  contractions  and 
expansions,  aided,  as  already  stated,  by  the  vital  power,  that 
the  circulation  of  the  blood  is  carried  on.  The  heart  is  in- 
vested with  a  membranous  bag,  called  pericardium,  which 
adheres  to  the  tendinous  centre  of  the  diaphragm,  and  to  the 
great  vessels  at  the  base  of  the  heart.  The  heart  is  lubricated 
by  a  serous  fluid  within  the  pericardium,  which  guards  against 
friction.  In  dropsical  affections,  the  quantity  of  this  fluid  is 
considerably  increased,  and  constitutes  a  disease  called  dropsy 
of  the  heart.  The  heart  is  divided  into  four  cavities,  viz., 
two  auricles,  named  from  their  resemblance  to  an  ear,  and 
two  ventricles,  (as  seen  in  plate  3,  a  b,)  forming  the  body. 
The  left  ventricle  is  smaller  than  the  right ;  but  its  sides  are 
much  thicker  and  stronger  :  it  is  from  this  part  that  the  grand 
trunk  of  the  arteries  proceeds,  called  the  great  aorta,  (i.  e.,  /, 
plate  3.)  The  right  cavity,  or  ventricle,  is  the  receptacle  for 
the  blood  that  is  brought  back  by  the  veins  after  going  the 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


37 


rounds  of  the  circulation  ;  which,  like  an  inverted  tree,  become 
larger  and  less  numerous  as  they  approach  the  heart,  where 
they  terminate  in  the  right  auricle.  The  auricle  on  the  left 
side  of  the  heart  receives  the  blood  that  has  been  distributed 
through  the  lungs  for  purification.  Where  the  veins  terminate 
in  auricles,  there  are  valves  placed.  The  coronary  vein, 
which  enters  the  right  auricle,  has  its  mouth  protected  by  a 
valve  called  semilunar,  or  half-moon  shape,  which  opens  only 
towards  the  heart,  and  prevents  the  blood  taking  a  retrograde 
course.  The  different  tubes  coming  from  and  entering  into 
the  heart,  are  also  provided  with  valves  to  prevent  the  blood 
from  returning.  For  example,  the  blood  proceeds  out  of  the 
heart,  along  the  aorta,  (see  plate  ;)  the  valve  opens  upwards, 
the  blood  also  moves  upwards,  and  pushes  the  valve  asunder, 
and  passes  through  ;  the  pressure  from  above  effectually  closes 
the  passage.  The  valves  of  the  heart  are  composed  of  elastic 
cartilage,  which  enables  them  to  work  with  ease.  In  some 
diseases,  however,  they  become  ossified.  This,  of  course,  is 
fatal.  The  heart  and  its  appendages  are  also  subject  to  other 
diseases,  called  dilatation,  softening,  hardening,  &c.  Now,  the 
blood,  having  been  brought  from  air*  parts  of  the  system  by 
the  veins,  enters  into  the  vena  cava,  (see  plate  3,  fig.  o,  q, 
ascending  and  descending  portion,)  which  empty  themselves 
into  the  right  auricle  ;  and  this,  when  distended  with  blood, 
contracts,  and  forces  its  contents  into  the  right  ventricle, 
which,  contracting  in  its  turn,  propels  the  blood  into  the  pul- 
monary arteries,  (see  plate,)  whose  numerous  ramifications 
bring  it  in  contact  with  the  air-cells  of  the  lungs.  It 
then  assumes  a  crimson  color,  and  is  then  adapted  to 
build  up  and  supply  the  waste.  Having  passed  through 
the  vessels  of  the  lungs,  it  continues  on,  and  passes  into  the 
left  auricle  :  this  also  contracts,  and  forces  the  blood  through 
a  valve  into  the  left  ventricle.  This  ventricle  then  contracts 
in  its  turn,  and  the  blood  passes  through  another  valve  into 
the  great  aorta,  from  which  it  is  distributed  into  the  whole 
arterial  structure  :  after  going  the  rounds  of  the  circulation, 
it  is  again  returned  to  the  heart  by  the  veins. 


38  PHYSIOLOGY. 

Respiration  and  Structure  of  the  Lungs.  —  The  organs  of 
respiration  are  the  larynx,  the  upper  opening  of  which  is 
named  glottis,  the  trachea  or  windpipe,  bronchia,  and  the 
lungs. 

The  air  is  displaced  out  of  the  lungs  by  the  action  of  the 
muscles  of  respiration ;  and  when  these  relax,  the  lungs  ex- 
pand by  their  elasticity.  This  may  be  exemplified  by  means 
of  a  sponge,  which  may  be  compressed  into  a  small  bulk  by 
the  hand,  but,  upon  opening  the  hand,  the  sponge  returns  to 
its  natural  size,  and  all  its  cavities  become  filled  with  air. 
The  purification  of  the  blood  in  the  lungs  is  of  vital  impor- 
tance, and  indispensably  necessary  to  the  due  performance  of 
all  the  functions.  When  the  lungs,  and  muscles  connected 
with  them,  are  in  a  physiological  state,  the  horse  is  said  to  be 
in  good  wind  —  a  very  desirable  state  for  an  animal  to  be  in, 
whose  usefulness  depends  on  his  being  capable  of  a  long 
continuance  of  quick  motion.  The  trachea,  or  windpipe, 
after  dividing  into  bronchia,  again  subdivides  into  innumera- 
ble other  branches,  the  extremities  of  which  compose  an 
infinite  quantity  of  small  cells,  which,  with  the  ramifications 
of  the  veins,  arteries,  nerves,  lymphatics,  and  the  connecting 
cellular  membrane,  make  up  the  whole  mass  or  substance  of 
the  lungs.  The  internal  surface  of  the  windpipe,  bronchia, 
and  air-cell,  is  lined  with  a  membrane,  which  secretes  a 
mucous  fluid :  when,  in  consequence  of  an  obstructed  sur- 
face, this  fluid  becomes  abundant,  it  is  expelled  by  the  nos- 
trils. The  whole  is  invested  with  a  thin,  transparent  mem- 
brane, named  pleura :  the  same  membrane  lines  the  internal 
surface  of  the  ribs  and  diaphragm,  and,  by  a  duplicature  of 
its  folds,  forms  a  separation  between  the  lobes  of  the  lungs. 

Glandular  Secretions.  —  Liver.  This  is  the  largest  gland 
in  the  animal  economy;  it  secretes  from  the  blood  a  fluid 
called  bile ;  it  is  conveyed  by  numerous  small  tubes  into  a 
larger  one,  in  which  they  terminate  :  this  is  named  hepatic, 
or  biliary  duct.  In  the  human  body,  and  in  most  quadrupeds, 
there  is  another  duct,  branching  off  from  this,  which  termi- 
nates in  a  gall  bladder,  from  which  the  bile  is  expelled  ;  but 


PHYSIOLOGY.  39 

in  the  horse  there  is  simply  one  duct,  which  conveys  the  bile, 
as  already  stated,  into  the  duodenum,  where  it  assists  in  the 
process  of  chylification. 

Kidneys.  Their  office  is  to  convey  or  secrete  the  super- 
fluous fluids  and  excrementitious  parts  of  the  blood  in  the 
form  of  urine.  In  man,  the  skin  is  the  great  outlet  of  the  body, 
and  the  kidneys  are  one  of  a  secondary  order ;  but  in  some 
animals,  the  kidneys  are  the  principal  parts  concerned  in  car- 
rying off  the  impurities  of  the  blood.  When  horses  are  allowed 
an  unlimited  quantity  of  hay  and  water,  or  when  they  are  fed 
on  improper  food,  and  the  skin  obstructed,  the  urine  will  be 
voided  in  large  quantities  —  thick,  turbid,  deficient  in  quality, 
and  having  a  peculiar  stinking  smell.  From  a  cavity  in  the 
centre  of  each  kidney,  a  canal  or  tube  proceeds,  by  which 
the  urine  is  conveyed  into  the  bladder.  These  tubes  are  named 
ureters.  As  the  ureters  enter  the  bladder,  they  pass  forward 
a  short  distance  between  its  coats ;  which  course  effectually 
prevents  the  urine  from  flowing  back  into  the  ureters.  The 
urine  is  expelled  by  the  muscular  power  which  the  bladder 
possesses  of  contracting  upon  its  contents.  The  horse's  kid- 
neys are  readily  affected  by  diuretic  medicines,  and  many 
valuable  horses  are  ruined  by  the  too  frequent  use  of  nitre 
and  rosin.  These  articles  are  indirect  diuretics ;  they  cause  a 
large  secretion  of  urine,  but  do  not  provide  for  the  excretion. 
In  such  cases,  the  bladder  may  be  distended  beyond  its  usual 
capacity  ;  its  fibres  may  become  lacerated,  and  thus  be  in- 
capable of  contracting  on  its  contents.  Disease  of  the  kid- 
neys sometimes  happens  in  consequence  of  excessive  exertion, 
or  strain  of  the  loins  ;  and  sometimes  peritoneal  disease  spreads 
to^he  kidneys. 

There  are  other  glands  scattered  over  the  system,  of  equal 
importance ;  yet,  in  the  present  state  of  veterinary  knowl- 
edge, the  author  deems  it  unnecessary  to  refer  to  them. 

Anatomy  and  Physiology  of  the  Eye.  —  The  parts  which 
compose  the  eye  are  divided  into  external  and  internal.  The 
external  parts  are,  first,  the  eyelashes,  or  cilia,  which,  in  the 
horse,  can  scarcely  be  reckoned  more  than  one,  there  being 


40  PHYSIOLOGY. 

very  few  hairs  in  the  under  eyelid  ;  secondly,  the  eyelids,  or 
palpebrse,  upper  and  under  :  where  they  join  outwardly,  it  is 
termed  the  external  canthus,  and  inwardly  towards  the  nose, 
the  internal  canthus  :  they  cover  and  defend  the  eyes.  The 
cartilaginous  margin  or  rim  of  the  eyelid,  from  which  the 
eyelashes  proceed,  is  named  tarsus.  In  the  tarsus  and  inter- 
nal surface  of  the  eyelid  there  are  small  glands,  which  secrete 
a  fluid,  to  prevent  friction  of  the  eye  and  its  lids,  and  facili- 
tate motion.  Thirdly,  the  lachrymal  gland,  which  is  placed 
on  the  upper  part  of  the  eyelid  towards  the  external  canthus ; 
from  this  gland  the  tears  are  secreted,  and  conveyed  to  the 
inner  surface  of  the  upper  eyelid  by  several  minute  ducts,  or 
canals,  named  lachrymal  ducts.  There  is  another  small  body, 
having  a  glandular  appearance,  in  the  inner  corner  of  the  eye  ; 
on  each  side  of  which  there  are  small  orifices,  which  are  called 
puncta  lachrymalia :  these  are  the  mouths  or  openings  of 
two  small  canals,  which,  joining  together,  form  a  membranous 
tube ;  and  this,  passing  through  a  small  opening  in  the  bone, 
extends  to  the  lower  part  of  the  nostril,  where  its  termination 
may  be  distinctly  seen  in  the  horse.  As  the  lachrymal  gland 
is  constantly  forming  tears,  it  must  be  obvious  that  some 
contrivance  is  necessary  to  convey  them  off,  and  prevent  them 
flowing  over  the  cheek  :  this  purpose  is  answered  by  the  canal 
just  described. 

When  any  irritating  matter  is  applied  to  the  eye,  the  tears 
are  formed  too  abundantly  to  be  carried  off  in  this  way ;  they 
then  flow  over  the  cheek.  In  the  human  eye,  the  puncta 
lachrymalia  terminate  in  a  small  sac,  from  which  the  lachry- 
mal duct  proceeds  :  this  is  not  the  case  in  the  horse.  In  the 
inner  corner  of  the  horse's  eye  is  placed  a  body  commonly 
termed  the  haw,  no  resemblance  to  which  is  to  be  found  in 
the  human  eye.  The  horse  has  the  power,  by  means  of  the 
muscles  of  the  eye,  to  bring  the  haw  completely  over  its 
surface  ;  it  serves,  therefore,  as  a  second  eyelid,  and  effectu- 
ally wipes  off  any  dust,  hay,  or  seeds)  or  other  matter  which 
may  have  fallen  upon  the  eye.  The  conjunctive  membrane, 
or  tunica  conjunctiva,  lines  the  inner  surface  of  the  eyelids, 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


41 


and  covers  the  white  part  of   the  globe  of  the  eye.     This 
membrane  has  numerous  blood-vessels,  which  are  conspicuous 
when  it  is  inflamed.     The  bulb  or  globe  of  the  eye  is  com- 
posed of  several  coats  and  humors.     The  transparent  cornea, 
which,  in  the  horse,  forms  the  front  part  of  the  eye,  com- 
prehends a  larger  part  of  the  globe  than  in  the  human  subject ; 
on  removing  this  cornea,  a  fluid,  which  is  named  the  aqueous 
humor,  escapes,  and  the  iris  appears.     The  iris  is  a  muscular 
curtain,  having  a  hole  in  the  centre,  which  is  termed  the  pupil. 
This  divides  the  fore  part  of  the  eye  into  two  parts,  named 
chambers,  which  are  occupied  by  the  aqueous  humor.     The 
pupil  is  of  a  dark  bluish  cast ;  is  of  an  oval,  or  rather  of  an 
oblong  form.     The  iris  regulates  the  quantity  of  light  that  is 
required  to  pass  through  the  pupil.     For  this  purpose,  it  is 
composed  of  two  sets  of  muscular  fibres  ;  by  means  of  one 
the  pupil  is  enlarged,  and  by  the  other  it  is  diminished.    Thus, 
if  the  pupil  is  first  examined  in  the  stable,  where  there  is  a 
moderate  light,  and  immediately  after  in  the  sunshine,  it  will 
be  found  quite  altered  ;  being  so  small,  in  a  strong  light,  as  to 
be  nearly  closed.     On  removing  the  iris,  the  second  humor, 
or  crystalline  lens,  appears  :  this  is  retained  in  its  situation  by 
a  transparent  membrane,  named  its  capsule,  between  which 
and  the  lens  is  a  minute  quantity  of  fluid.     The  third  humor 
of  the  eye  is  the  vitreous.      This  humor  is  not  contained  in 
one  general  sac,  but  in  numerous  minute  and  perfectly  trans- 
parent cells,  and  resembles  pure  water :  this  humor  serves  to 
produce  a  small  degree  of  refraction  in  the  rays  of  light,  and 
occupies  and  distends  all  the  posterior  part  of  the  globe  of  the 
eye.     The  next  coat  to   the  conjunctive  is  the    sclerotica, 
or  white  of  the  eye,  a  strong,  thick  membrane,  which  extends 
from  the  transparent  cornea  to  the  optic  nerve.     The  next 
coat  to  the  sclerotic  is  the  choroid.      This  is  a  delicate  and 
very  vascular  membrane.     In  the  human  eye,  it  appears  of 
a  black  color,  and  it  is  this  which  causes  the  pupil  of  the 
human  eye  to  appear  black  ;    but  the  choroid  coat  of  the 
horse's  eye  is  variegated  in   color  ;  in  some  parts  black,  in 
others  blue  ;    and  in  others  green.      The  next  coat  is  the 
6 


42  PHYSIOLOGY. 

retina :  this  is  a  delicate  expansion  of  the  optic  nerve  over 
the  choroid  coat,  which  it  accompanies  to  the  margin  of  the 
crystalline  lens,  and  there  terminates. 

The  use  of  the  retina  is  to  receive  certain  impressions 
made  by  the  light  reflected  from  objects,  so  as  to  produce  in 
the  mind  an  idea  of  their  figure  and  color ;  the  optic  nerve 
being  the  medium  of  communication  between  the  retina  and 
brain.  From  the  above  explanation  of  the  mechanism  of  the 
eye,  it  will  readily  appear  that  many  circumstances  may  occur 
to  render  vision  imperfect,  or  to  destroy  it  altogether.  If  the 
transparent  cornea,  for  example,  became  white,  light  could 
not  pass  through  it,  and  the  animal  would  be  blind^however 
perfect  the  other  parts  of  the  eye  might  be.  The  cornea 
may  be  either  too  convex  or  too  flat ;  in  the  former  case, 
causing  the  animal  to  be  near-sighted  ;  in  the  latter,  produ- 
cing an  indistinctness  of  vision  with  respect  to  objects  that 
are  near.  The  iris  may,  in  consequence  of  disease,  become 
fixed,  or  lose  its  power  of  motion ;  in  which  case,  the  pupil 
would  be  always  of  the  same  size,  and  the  animal  would  not 
have  the  power  of  adapting  it  to  the  various  distances  or 
objects  ;  or,  as  sometimes  happens,  the  pupil  may  become 
quite  closed,  by  which  light  would  be  perfectly  excluded 
from  the  retina.  Supposing  the  cornea  and  iris  to  be  healthy, 
the  crystalline  lens,  or  its  capsule,  may  become  opaque,  and 
thereby  cause  total  blindness.  But  in  this  part,  as  in  the 
cornea,  we  meet  with  different  degrees  of  opacity  :  sometimes 
it  is  very  slight,  the  pupil  appearing  of  a  lighter  color,  and 
unusually  large  :  in  this  state,  the  pupil  is  said  to  look  dull  or 
muddy,  which  causes  the  horse  to  start \  but  when  the  opacity 
is  complete,  it  constitutes  the  disease  termed  cataract.  There 
is  another  disease,  to  which  the  reader's  attention  is  called  ;  it 
is  named  gutta  serena,  or  amaurosis.  This  disease  is  known 
by  the  pupil  being  unusually  large  or  open,  and  by  its  con- 
tinuing so  when  the  eye  is  exposed  to  a  strong  light. 

Remarks  on  the  Causes  of  Disease  in  the  Eye.  —  Young 
horses,  generally,  are  peculiarly  liable  to  a  disease  called 
ophthalmia.     Such  as  are  got  by  a  blind  stallion,  or  bred  from 


ANATOMY.  43 

a  blind  mare,  are  said  to  be  more  liable  to  it  than  others ;  yet 
all  horses,  if  pent  up  in  hot  stables,  fed  high,  and  not 
sufficiently  exercised,  are  liable  to  disease  of  the  eye.  Some- 
times a  general  derangement  of  the  system,  brought  on  by 
violent  and  excessive  exertion,  will  terminate  in  a  disease  of 
the  eye,  or  its  membranes ;  also  by  standing  still  in  cold  wind  or 
rain  when  the  animal  has  been  heated,  and  is  sweating ;  or 
sluicing  him  with  cold  water,  which  is  very  much  in  fashion, 
since  the  Cochituate  was  introduced  in  this  city.  If  wa- 
ter is  used  to  cleanse  the  horse,  he  should  be  rubbed  per- 
fectly dry,  and  the  reactive  powers  provoked  by  friction  with 
the  brush. 

Cure.  —  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  remove  the 
cause,  if  possible  :  next  adopt  that  system  of  management, 
with  respect  to  feeding,  exercise,  grooming,  and  ventilation, 
laid  down  in  this  work.  If  the  disease  is  hereditary,  then 
the  most  scientific  treatment,  to  say  the  most  of  it,  is  only 
palliative.  The  best  lotion  for  the  eye  is  an  infusion  of 
camomiles,  or  a  mixture  of  one  tablespoonful  of  vinegar  to 
a  pint  of  water,  used  occasionally  with  a  clean  sponge  and 
a  light  hand.  The  horse  should  be  kept  on  a  light  diet  of 
scalded  shorts ;  darken  the  stable,  and  give  the  animal  proper 
attention  until  the  disease  is  subdued. 


ANATOMY 

OF  THE  FEMALE  ORGANS  OF  GENERATION. 

The  vulva,  or  pudendum,  is  the  slit  commencing  below  the 
anus,  and  extending  downward,  forming  a  fissure.  This 
fissure  is  longest  and  most  conspicuous  in  breeding  mares. 
The  space  between  the  anus  and  vulva  is  called  the  perineum. 
The  prominences  on  each  side  of  the  vulva  are  called  the 
labia  pudendi.  They  owe  their  bulk  principally  to  fatty 
substance. 


44  ANATOMY. 

The  commissures  are  the  parts  uniting  the  labia  above  and 
below.  The  superior  or  upper  commissure  is  extended  to  a 
sharp  angle,  and  joins  the  perineum  ;  the  lower  portion  is 
rounded  off,  and  is  bounded  by  a  hollow,  at  the  bottom  of 
which  is  lodged  the 

Clitoris.  —  This  is  brought  into  view  immediately  after 
staling  :  it  bears  a  close  comparison  to  the  head  of  the  male 
penis,  and,  like  the  latter,  is  susceptible  of  sensual  enjoyment. 
To  the  clitoris  belong  a  pair  of  muscles  named  erector  clitoris. 
They  take  their  origin  from  the  perineum.  Their  office  is 
to  erect  that  body,  and  protrude  it  into  the  vagina  in  the  act 
of  coition. 

The  internal  parts  are  the  vagina,  uterus,  Fallopian  tubes, 
fimbriae,  and  ovaria.  The  vagina  is  a  musculo-membranous 
canal,  of  large  dimensions,  extending  from  the  vulva  to  the 
uterus  or  womb. 

It  is  situated  within  the  pelvis,  having  the  bladder  below 
and  the  rectum  above  it,  to  both  of  which  it  has  cellular 
attachments,  in  addition  to  the  reciprocal  connection  with 
the  peritoneum.  To  the  rectum  it  is  closely  and  firmly  at- 
tached by  cellular  membrane. 

The  figure  of  the  vagina,  when  it  is  distended,  is  that  of 
an  oblong  cylinder  ;  but  in  the  collapsed  state,  its  sides  are  in 
contact,  and  it  will  vary  its  form  according  to  the  full  or 
empty  condition  of  the  bladder.  The  largest  part  of  the 
canal  is  the  posterior  j  there  it  exceeds  the  dimensions  of  the 
bladder. 

The  length  of  the  canal  is  about  eighteen  inches.  Its 
course  is  horizontal,  and  rather  shows  an  inclination  to  the 
curve  of  the  rectum. 

The  vagina,  at  its  commencement  from  the  vulva,  is  much 
thicker  in  its  walls  than  elsewhere  ;  in  composition,  it  is 
partly  muscular  and  partly  membranous.  The  orifice  of  it 
is  clothed  in  that  strong,  red,  circular,  fleshy  band,  which 
forms  the  sphincter  vagina ;  and  the  adjoining  part  of  the 
canal  is  also  encircled  by  some  considerable  fleshy  covering, 


ANATOMY.  45 

and  thickly  coated  with  muscular  fibres.  Farther  forward 
than  this  the  vagina  is  composed  of  membrane. 

The  Membrane  of  the  Vagina.  —  The  part  of  which  it  is 
constituted  is  one  of  the  mucous  class,  and  one  that  pos- 
sesses considerable  density,  extensibility,  and  resistance. 
Its  exterior  surface  is  rough.  Its  interior  is  smooth,  and  has 
a  pale  pinkish  cast  ;  unless  the  mare  be  under  the  venereal 
oestrum,  and  then  its  redness  is  heightened,  and  its  secretion 
augmented.  In  the  ordinary  state,  this  membrane  is  thrown 
into  folds,  larger  in  breeding  mares  than  in  others,  technically 
called  rugae. 

Considerably  in  advance  of  the  clitoris  is  an  opening 
leading  from  the  lower  part  of  the  canal,  large  enough  to 
admit  with  ease  any  one  of  the  fingers  :  this  is  the  orifice  of 
the  meatus  urinarius,  or  outlet  of  the  bladder  :  it  is  guarded 
by  a  doubling  of  the  vaginal  membrane,  which  hangs  over 
it,  and  serves  the  purpose  of  a  valve. 

The  large  and  conspicuous  protuberance  at  the  bottom  of 
the  vagina,  is  the  mouth  of  the  uterus. 

The  uterus,  or  womb,  is  a  hollow  musculo-membranous 
organ,  united  to  the  anterior  part  of  the  vagina,  and  is  des- 
tined for  the  reception  of  the  foetus.  We  distinguish  the 
uterus  by  the  body,  horns,  neck,  and  mouth.  The  body  is 
the  oblong  or  cylindrical  part,  growing  out  of  the  anterior 
portion  of  the  vagina,  in  the  centre  of  which  it  is  terminated 
internally  by  the  os  uteri,  or  mouth  of  the  womb  ;  it  gives 
origin,  in  front,  to  the  horns.  This  part  lies  wholly  within 
the  pelvis,  between  the  bladder  and  rectum,  and  is  entirely 
covered  by  peritoneum. 

The  cornua,  or  horns,  rise  from  the  body  of  the  uterus,  and 
diverge  towards  the  loins.  Their  length  and  size  will  be 
much  greater  in  breeding  mares  than  in  others.  In  figure 
they  are  cylindrical ;  they  bend  upwards  in  their  course,  and 
terminate  in  round  extremities,  to  which  are  loosely  appended 
the  ovaries,  or  testicles,  through  the  medium  of  the  Fallopian 
tubes. 

The  cervix,  or  neck,  of  the  uterus  is  the  rugose  portion 


46  ANATOMY. 

protruded  backward  into  the  cavity  of  the  vagina,  which  has 
a  flower-like  appearance,  and  can  only  be  seen  in  a  virgin 
uterus  in  the  undistended  state  :  during  gestation  it  undergoes 
a  remarkable  change. 

Independently  of  its  union  with  the  vagina,  the  uterus  is 
confined  in  its  place  by  two  broad  portions  of  peritoneum, 
which  attach  it  to  the  sides  of  the  pelvis,  named  the  lateral 
ligaments  of  the  uterus.  During  the  period  of  gestation,  the 
uterus  experiences  considerable  extension.  The  Fallopian 
tubes  are  two  trumpet-shaped  canals,  having  a  remarkable 
serpentine  course  ;  running  within  the  folds  of  the  ligamenta 
lata,  from  the  extremities  of  the  horns  to  the  ovaries. 

The  tube  commences  by  an  aperture  in  the  cornu,  having 
an  elevated  whitish  margin,  which  is  scarcely  large  enough 
to  admit  a  small  silver  probe  :  from  this  it  proceeds  forward, 
folded  in  peritoneum,  and  extremely  convoluted,  until  it 
reaches  the  ovary,  to  which  it  becomes  attached ;  it  then 
begins  to  enlarge  in  its  diameter,  grows  less  convoluted,  and 
serpentines  along  the  lower  side  of  the  ovary  ;  it  afterwards 
ends  in  a  fringed  doubling  of  membrane. 

The  internal  membrane  of  the  tubes  is  similar  to  that  of 
the  uterus. 

The  ovaria,  or  female  testicles,  are  two  egg-shaped  bodies, 
situated  farther  forward  than  the  Fallopian  tubes,  within  the 
cavity  of  the  abdomen :  they  receive  close  coverings,  and  are 
loosely  attached  to  the  spine. 

These  bodies  are  about  the  size  of  walnuts.  They  are  not 
regular  oviform  ;  they  have  deep  fissures  on  their  sides  ;  they 
bear  a  resemblance,  at  first  view,  to  the  testicles  and  their 
ducts  in  the  male. 

Internally,  the  ovaries  are  composed  of  a  whitish  spongy 
substance,  in  which  are,  in  some  instances,  found  little  vesi- 
cles containing  a  yellowish  glairy  fluid,  in  others  one  or 
more  dark  yellow  or  brownish  substances  named  corpora  lutea  : 
the  vesicles  are  the  ova,  which,  from  impregnation,  receive 
further  development ;  the  corpora  lutea  denote  the  parts  from 
which  vesicles  have  burst,  and  consequently  only  exist  in  the 


ANATOMY.  47 

ovaries  of  those  mares  whose  organs  have  been  engaged  in 
the  generative  process.  Prior  to  the  age  of  sexual  intercourse, 
these  bodies  are  small  and  white  ;  but  as  soon  as  the  season 
of  copulation  is  at  hand,  they  grow  large,  redden  externally, 
and  present  many  yellow  spots  or  streaks  through  their  sub- 
stance. 

Mamma,  though  unconnected  with  the  uterus,  anatomi- 
cally speaking,  are  in  function  concurring  to  the  same  im- 
portant end.  The  mammae,  vulgarly  called  udder,  are  two 
flattened  oval-shaped  bodies,  depending,  between  the  thighs, 
from  the  posterior  and  inferior  part  of  the  belly.  In  quadru- 
peds, with  but  few  exceptions,  this  is  the  situation  of  the 
mammas. 

In  virgin  mares  the  udder  is  so  small  that  there  hardly 
appears  to  be  any.  In  mares  who  have  had  foals,  the  udder 
remains  prominent  or  pendulous,  and  has  a  flabby  feel. 

Towards  the  latter  part  of  gestation,  this  part  swells,  and 
becomes  distinctly  visible.  Within  a  few  days  of  foaling, 
the  udder  grows  turgid  with  milk  ;  it  does  not,  however, 
acquire  its  full  distention  until  the  foal  has  drawn  it  for  a  few 
days,  from  which  time  it  maintains  its  volume,  with  little 
variation,  during  the  period  of  sucking.  Soon  after  the  foal 
begins  to  forsake  the  teat,  the  secretion  of  milk  diminishes, 
and  is  followed  by  a  contraction  of  the  bag,  which  goes  on 
gradually,  until  it  has  resumed  nearly,  or  quite,  its  former 
flatness. 

The  interior  of  the  mammae  has  a  light  yellowish  aspect, 
and  evidently  possesses  a  lobulated  structure,  which  is  held 
together  by  a  fine  cellular  tissue,  interspersed  with  granules 
of  fat.  It  is  constituted  of  glandular  masses,  irregular  in 
magnitude  and  form,  and  loosely  connected  one  with  another, 
each  of  which  masses  is  composed  of  a  number  of  lobules, 
closely  compacted  and  united  together.  These  insulated 
lobulous  portions  receive  small  arteries,  from  which  the  milk 
is  secreted.  The  former,  by  repeatedly  conjoining  one  with 
another,  become  at  length  several  demonstrable  canals,  radiat- 
ing from  every  part,  and  dilating  to  hold  the  milk. 


18  ANATOMY. 

When  the  udder  becomes  charged  with  milk,  it  flows  into 
the  teat  and  distends  it.  Suction  is  apparently  an  operation 
purely  mechanical.  The  teat  is  seized  and  closely  com- 
pressed by  the  lips  of  the  foal ;  and  the  imbibing  effort  which 
follows  has  a  tendency  to  produce  a  vacuum,  or  raise  the 
valve  at  the  upper  part  of  the  teat,  and  the  milk  passes  from 
the  reservoirs  into  the  mouth. 

ON  THE  PHYSIOLOGY  OF  THE  ORGANS  OF  GENERATION,  MALE 

AND  FEMALE. 

The  common  object  in  the  male  and  female  organs  of 
generation,  is  the  development  and  reproduction  of  new 
beings.  The  copulative  act  is  the  essential  first  cause  that 
therein  the  action  of  the  organs  is  mutual  and  sympathetic, 
and  that  the  result  is  the  generation  of  a  new  animal,  bearing 
a  likeness  to  one  or  both  parents,  the  office  of  the  testicles 
being  to  furnish  the  fecundating  liquor,  called  semen.  This 
is  the  most  important  part  of  the  male  apparatus.  These 
organs  do  not  descend  into  the  scrotum  for  some  time  after 
birth,  and  do  not  carry  on  their  glandular  functions  until  the 
period  of  puberty.  This  epoch  is  marked  in  animals  by  luxu- 
riant growth  of  hair,  particularly  in  the  mane  and  tail,  a 
peculiar  odor  of  the  body,  and  lustful  passions. 

The  semen  is  secreted  from  the  blood,  &nd  is  a  white 
viscous  fluid,  having  a  peculiar  faint  odour,  and  Mr.  Percivall 
found  it  to  contain  myriads  of  animalculas,  or  vermiculi.  To 
chemical  analysis,  according  to  Girard,  the  horse's  semen 
yields  four  fifths  of  a  peculiar  animal  matter  ;  the  remaining 
ingredients  being  mucus,  muriate  of  potass  and  soda,  and 
carbonate  and  phosphate  of  lime.  Castration  operates  in 
horses,  not  only  by  depriving  stallions  of  their  amorous  fury,  but 
converting  the  most  outrageous  into  meek  and  even  spiritless 
geldings.  But  the  loss  of  one  testicle  does  not  take  away 
either  the  procreative  faculty,  or  the  sexual  appetite  ;  for  rigs, 
as  they  are  then  called,  appear  to  get  foals  as  well  as  stallions. 

In  the  covering  season  animals  are  found  to  grow  restless 
and  unruly,  and  unless  permitted  to  seek  their  mates  they 


ANATOMY.  49 

will  often  refivse  their  food,  and  even  undergo  considerable 
privations,  so  influential  in  the  system  is  the  periodical  sexual 
passion. 

By  implanting  such  a  vigorous  and  irresistible  impulse  into 
the  sexual  constitution  of  animals,  has  nature  excited  the 
congress  of  the  sexes,  and  insured  the  perpetuation  of  their 
species  ;  and  so  salutary  is  the  moderate  or  seasonable  per- 
formance of  this  act,  that  animals  are  found  to  be  improved, 
both  in  health  and  strength,  by  it ;  if  carried  to  excess,  it 
proves  highly  destructive. 

In  the  covering  season  the  female  parts  are  in  a  fit  state  of 
aptitude  for  giving  due  effect  to  the  semen  conveyed  into 
them  by  the  penis  of  the  male  j  they  show  this  aptitude  by 
redness,  and  prominency  of  the  vulva,  and  by  the  emission, 
at  intervals,  of  a  whitish  mucus  fluid  ;  animals  that  are  ill  fed 
and  hard  worked,  seldom  show  that  they  are  horseing  at  all. 

Impregnation  ordinarily  puts  an  end  to  the  cestral  dis- 
charge, by  causing  permanent  closure  of  the  mouth  of  the 
womb.  The  germs,  or  rudiments,  of  the  future  beings  exist 
in  the  ovaria  of  the  female  prior  to  impregnation,  and  only 
require  the  stimulus  of  the  masculine  liquor  to  dislodge  them 
and  develop  themselves. 

STOMACH. 

By  reference  to  the  plate,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  horsers 
stomach  somewhat  resembles  a  bagpipe.  It  is  situated 
behind  the  diaphragm,  principally  on  the  left  side,  with  its 
expellant  orifice  extending  across  the  spine  to  the  right.  It 
has  two  surfaces,  which  may  be  called  its  sides,  though 
one  is  posterior,  and  the  other  anterior ;  and  two  ex- 
tremities, a  large  and  small.  The  superior,  or  upper  portion 
of  the  latter  receives  the  oesophagus  or  gullet,  and  is  termed 
its  cardiac  orifice ;  while  the  lower  portion,  which  ends  in 
the  duodenum,  (see  plate,)  is  termed  its  pyloric  orifice. 
The  situation  of  the  stomach  varies,  in  some  degree,  with  its 
distention  ;  when  it  is  much  distended,  the  left  extremity 
will  press  upon  the  diaphragm,    and   cause  heaving  at  the 


(     50     ) 


Plate  No.  4. 


THE  STOMACH   OF  THE  HORSE. 


a,  the  gullet,  or  oesophagus,  extending  to  the  stomach :  b,  b,  the  margin  which 
separates  the  cuticular  from  the  villous  coats  of  the  stomach ;  c,  the  entrance  of 
the  gullet  into  the  stomach  ;  d,  d,  the  cuticular  portion  of  the  stomach  ;  e,  the 
communication  between  the  stomach  and  first  intestine  ;  f,f,f,  the  villous  or  mu- 
cous portion  of  the  stomach,  in  which  the  food  is  principally  digested  ;  g,  the  small 
orifice  through  which  a  portion  of  the  pancreatic  juice  enters  the  intestine  ;  h,  the 
orifice  through  which  the  bile  passes  into  the  intestine :  the  two  pins  mark  the  two 
tubes. 


ANATOMY.  51 

flanks.  In  oxen  and  sheep,  the  first  stomach,  being  very- 
large,  is  found,  when  distended,  to  have  its  extremity  carried 
up  between  the  last  rib  and  the  hip,  in  which  part  it  is  punc- 
tured when  a  bullock  is  blown  or  hoven.  But  such  an  idea 
of  the  horse's  stomach  would  be  very  erroneous  ;  for,  this 
animal  having  a  very  small  one,  it  can  never  occupy  a  simi- 
lar situation.  The  stomach  has,  externally,  a  covering  from 
the  peritoneum,  which  adheres  closely  to  it  by  means  of  its 
cellular  membrane.  Its  middle  portion  consists  of  muscular 
fibres,  which  are  stronger  in  the  horse  than  in  oxen  and 
sheep.  These  fibres  run  in  various  directions,  but  are  princi- 
pally longitudinal  and  circular;  the  latter  very  strong  and 
thick  at  the  point  where  the  gullet  terminates.  The  inner 
surface  of  the  stomach  consists  of  two  portions,  a  cuticular 
and  a  villous.  This  kind  of  cuticula,  covering  nearly 
one  half  of  the  stomach,  is  peculiar  to  animals  that  appear 
destined  to  live  on  grain.  It  may  be  considered,  in  a 
slight  degree,  a  species  of  gizzard,  resembling  the  structure 
of  those  animals  who  have  organs  to  make  up  for  the  want 
of  teeth  ;  for  the  horse  has  not  the  means  of  remastication, 
which  oxen  and  sheep  possess  ;  nor  does  he  usually  masticate 
his  food  sufficiently ;  the  wants  of  the  constitution  stimulate 
him  to  swallow  it  hastily  ;  he,  therefore,  devours  his  food 
greedily,  and  if  there  were  not  some  other  structure  than  the 
one  common  to  stomachs  in  general,  it  would  not  be  suf- 
ficiently digested.  The  insensibility  of  this  cuticular  coat 
allows  it  to  press,  in  some  degree,  on  the  food  and  perform  a 
slight  ituration  without  pain.  The  cuticular  coat  ends  ab- 
ruptly by  a  fringed  end,  and  is  very  distinct  from  the  villous 
coat.  The  villous  coat,  being  much  larger  in  extent  than  the 
muscular,  is  thrown  into  folds,  which  are  largest  towards  the 
great  extremity.  Towards  the  first  intestine  they  become  less, 
and  when  at  the  lower  orifice  they  form  a  valve,  preventing 
the  return  of  food,  and  its  too  speedy  passage  out.  The 
folds  not  only  hinder  the  too  hasty  passage  of  the  food,  but, 
by  ibis  means,  apply  the  gastric  juice  more  certainly  to  all 
its  parts ;  but   the  principle  end  is  to  increase  the  secreting 


52  ANATOMY. 

surfaces,  which  are  here  essentially  necessary,  as  only  half  of 
the  horse's  stomach  is  supposed  to  possess  the  power  of 
secreting  gastric  juice.  We  here,  likewise,  see  the  utility  of 
the  saliva  ;  for,  were  the  food  to  come  into  the  stomach  nearly 
dry,  the  gastric  juice,  being  but  a  mucus,  would  not  pervade 
all  its  parts,  but  would  be  lost  upon  some  ;  nor  would  the 
mass  be  soft  enough  to  spread  in  between  its  folds. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  ANATOMY  OF  THE  FOOT,  AND  ITS  DIS- 
EASES. 

To  a  person  totally  unacquainted  with  the  structure  of  the 
horse's  foot,  it  may  appear  as  a  mass  of  horny,  insensible 
matter  ;  especially  when  he  sees  a  horse-shoer  cutting  off 
large  slices  of  it  with  the  knife,  and  nailing  to  it  plates  of 
iron.  It  will  be  found,  however,  to  be  a  very  complicated 
piece  of  mechanism,  but  admirably  calculated  for  sustaining 
the  immense  pressure  and  concussion  to  which  it  is  almost 
constantly  exposed.  The  horse's  foot  may  be  considered 
under  two  heads  —  the  sensitive  and  the  horny  parts.  The 
former  consists  of  bones,  ligaments,  cartilages,  membranes, 
nerves,  bloodvessels,  &c,  and  is  therefore  susceptible  of  pain. 
The  horny  part,  on  the  contrary,  is  void  of  sensibility,  and 
serves  principally  as  a  defence  to  the  sensitive  parts,  which 
it  covers  ;  it  is  endowed,  however,  with  considerable  elas- 
ticity, which  enables  it  to  yield,  in  some  degree,  to  the  im- 
pulse of  the  internal  or  sensitive  part,  in  the  various  motions 
of  the  animal  ;  therefore,  if,  there  be  any  disposition  or  ten- 
dency to  contract  or  shrink  in  the  horny  covering  or  hoof, 
the  internal,  sensitive  foot  will  be  more  or  less  compressed  ; 
and,  if  the  horny  parts  lose  their  elasticity,  the  sensitive  foot 
must  suffer  from  concussion.  So  wisely,  however,  is  every 
part  of  the  foot  contrived,  that  when  it  is  properly  managed, 
and  judiciously  pared  and  shoed  by  the  smith,  and  when  the 
horse  is  employed  only  by  a  humane  man,  it  may  be  generally 
preserved  in  a  sound  state,  perhaps  nearly  as  long  as  other 
parts  of  the  body.  It  must  be  admitted,  that  old  horses,  like 
old  men,  have  not  that  ease  and  freedom  about  them  which 


(     53     ) 


Plate  No.  5. 


THE  LEG  FROM  THE  SHANK  BONE. 


fJlM%%^%k    & 


■  a,  the  shank  bone ;  b,  the  superior,  or  large  pastern  bone ;  c,  the  inferior,  or  lesser 
pastern  ;  d,  the  coffin,  or  foot  bone  ;  e,  the  navicular,  or  nut  bone  ;  f,  the  sessamoid 
bone ;  ff,  the  inner,  or  elastic  frog ;  h,  the  suspensary  ligament,  inserted  into  the 
sessamoid  bones  ;  i,  the  large  flexor  .tendon  of  the  leg  ;  j,  a  ligament  uniting  the 
sessamoid  to  the  pastern  bones  ;  k,  the  short,  inferior  sessamoid  ligament ;  I,  the 
insertion  of  the  flexor  tendon  into  the  small  pastern  ;  m,  the  horny  frog  ;  re,  the  in- 
sertion of  the  flexor  tendon  into  the  coffin  bone ;  o,  a  ligament  uniting  the  navicu- 
lar to  the  coffin  bone ;  p,  the  crust,  or  wall,  of  the  foot ;  q,  the  sensitive  lamina, 
uniting  the  crust  to  the  coffin  bone  ;  r,  the  extensor  tendon  ;  s,  t,  the  union  of  the 
upper  head  of  the  long  pastern  bone,  and  the  inferior  head  of  the  shank  or  leg 
bone,  forming  the  fetlock  joint. 


54  ANATOMY. 

they  possessed  in  their  youth  ;  and  that  their  feet,  like  other 
parts  of  the  body,  are  subject  to  disease  from  various  causes. 
Even  in  a  state  of  unrestrained  freedom,  horses  are  found  with 
diseased  feet,  that  have  never  been  shod. 

The  different  parts  that  form  the  foot  will  now  be  noticed. 
By  referring  to  the  plate,  figure  d,  a  section  of  the  coffin 
bone,  will  be  seen,  where,  while  it  somewhat  resembles  the 
foot  in  shape,  it  contains  the  two  principle  arteries  which 
supply  the  foot.  They  enter  the  lower  and  back  part  of  the 
bone,  immediately  under  and  behind  the  termination  of  the 
flexor  tendon.  The  arteries  give  off  several  branches  within 
the  coffin  bone,  which  pass  out  through  orifices  at  its  lower 
and  front  part,  to  be  distributed  over  its  surface.  The  coffin 
bone  is  connected  with  the  coronary,  or  small  pastern,  and 
with  the  navicular,  (figure  e,)  or  nut  bone.  At  the  posterior, 
or  back  part,  the  flexor  tendon  (figure  n)  is  inserted  into  the 
coffin  bone. 

The  nut,  or  navicular  bone,  (figure  e,)  is  in  shape  not  un- 
like a  boat.  It  is  interposed  between  the  flexor  tendon  and 
other  bones,  to  remove  the  insertion  of  the  tendon  farther 
from  the  centre  of  motion ;  having  a  polished  surface  con- 
stantly moistened  by  a  fluid  resembling  synovia,  or  joint  oil. 

The  coronary,  or  small  pastern  bone,  rests  both  on  the  coffin 
bone  and  navicula,  to  which  it  is  firmly  united  by  ligaments. 

The  great  pastern,  or  os  suffraginis,  rests  on  the  small 
pastern,  and  is  also  firmly  united  by  ligaments.  The  two 
sessamoid  bones  are  placed  at  the  upper  and  posterior  part  of 
the  large  pastern,  to  which  they  have  a  strong  ligamentous 
attachment. 

The  canon,  or  shank  bone,  (figure  a,)  rests  both  on  the  great 
pastern  and  sessamoid  bones.  It  articulates  and  moves  easily 
upon  them. 

There  are  two  elastic  bodies  attached  to  the  upper  and 
lateral  edge  of  the  coffin  bone.  They  are  named  lateral  car- 
tilages ;  they  occupy  all  the  space  between  the  extensor  ten- 
don and  the  back  part  of  the  sensitive  frog.  The  lower 
part  of  these  cartilages  is  covered  by  the  hoof.     The  elastic 


ANATOMY.  55 

membranes,  or  laminae,  cover  all  the  front  and  lateral  surface 
of  the  coffin  bone  ;  at  the  extremity  of  which  they  turn  off 
at  an  acute  angle,  stretching  forward  to  the  side  of  the  sen- 
sitive frog  :  here  they  form  what  have  been  termed  the  sensi- 
tive bars.  The  laminae  are  elastic,  and  are  said  to  be  about 
five  hundred  in  number.  These  laminae  are  received  between 
corresponding  laminae  in  the  hoof;  but  there  is  a  material 
difference  between  them.  The  laminae  of  the  hoof  are  void 
of  sensibility  ;  those  of  the  coffin  bone  are  very  sensitive. 
These  two  kinds  of  laminae  form  the  connecting  medium 
between  the  hoof  and  coffin  bone  ;  and  so  strong  is  their 
union,  that  it  is  found  impossible  to  separate  them  without 
tearing  or  stripping  off  the  sensitive  laminae  from  the  coffin 
bone,  unless  the  foot  be  placed  in  water  for  some  time  before 
it  is  attempted.  The  extensor  tendon  (figure  r,)  is  fixed,  or 
inserted,  into  the  upper  and  front  part  of  the  coffin  bone. 

The  sensitive  frog  resembles  a  wedge  ;  its  point  is  to- 
wards the-  toe,  whence  it  becomes  gradually  wider  and  larger  : 
it  is  divided  by  a  cleft  in  its  centre,  towards  the  hind  part. 
The  frog  is  made  up  of  cartilaginous  and  fatty  matter,  and 
possesses  considerable  elasticity.  Its  fore  part  rests  on  that 
part  of  the  flexor  tendon  which  passes  over  the  navicular 
bone,  and  on  that  which  is  inserted  into  the  coffin  bone. 
From  this  part  its  cleft  or  division  commences  ;  only  a  small 
portion,  therefore,  of  the  sensitive  frog  rests  on  the  coffin 
bone  and  flexor  tendon.  The  wide  part  of  the  frog  projects 
considerably  behind  these,  forming  the  bulbs  of  the  heels, 
and,  taking  a  turn  forward,  is  blended  with  a  ligament  called 
the  coronary.  At  its  widest  or  posterior  part,  there  is  a  con- 
siderable distance  between  the  sensitive  frog  and  the  flexor 
tendon,  the  intermediate  space  being  filled  up  with  an  elastic, 
fatty  kind  of  matter.  By  this  contrivance  the  frog  is  capable 
of  considerable  motion  when  it  receives  the  pressure  of  the 
horse's  weight,  which  it  must  do  when  its  horny  covering  is 
in  contact  with  the  ground.  The  sensible  bars  are  formed 
by  an  inflection  of  the  sensible  laminae,  when  they  arrive  at 
the  heel,  whence  they  pass  obliquely  forward  to  the  sides  of 
the  sensitive  frog. 


56  ANATOMY. 

Foot  lameness.  —  The  fore  feet  are  more  subject  to  lame- 
ness than  any  other  part :  and  the  most  common  cause  of 
such  lameness  is  a  morbid  irritability  of  the  elastic  laminae, 
which  cover  the  front  and  sides  of  the  coffin  bone  and  bars. 
The  causes  of  this  morbid  state  are  numerous — applying  a 
hot  shoe  to  the  foot,  mechanical  expansion  or  contraction 
with  shoes  fitted  for  that  purpose.  It  may  be  brought  on  by 
hard  riding,  standing  upon  hot  litter,  and  high  feeding.  The 
practice  of  breaking  colts,  and  putting  them  to  work  too  early, 
lays  the  foundation  of  foot  lameness.  Horses  afflicted  with 
this  disease  have  a  great  degree  of  heat  in  the  feet,  with  an 
unusual  dryness  and  contraction  of  the  horn  at  the  heels  ; 
the  frog  appears  to  be  compressed,  and  narrower  than  in  the 
healthy  foot,  and  sometimes  ragged  and  discharging  matter 
from  its  cleft  or  division.  This  is  not  always  the  case  ; 
sometimes  the  frog  appears  quite  sound,  and  of  the  natural 
shape,  and  the  form  of  the  foot  does  not  appear  to  have  un- 
dergone any  alteration.  The  lameness  is  often  inconsidera- 
ble, and  continues  so  for  months.  If  the  horse  is  worked  on 
a  soft  road,  very  little,  if  any,  lameness  is  perceptible  ;  but 
the  moment  the  animal  steps  on  hard  ground,  it  will  be 
noticed.  At  length  the  horse  is  seen  constantly  resting  his 
foot,  or  putting  it  forward,  as  he  stands  in  the  stable,  and, 
when  taken  out  to  work,  is  found  very  lame.  The  only 
chance  to  effect  a  radical  cure  in  this  disease,  is  to  turn  the 
horse  to  grass  in  soft  ground,  without  shoes  ;  and,  unless  this 
is  done  early,  it  seldom  effects  any  permanent  good. 

Corns.  —  A  disease  of  the  horse's  foot,  often  causing  lame- 
ness. Corns  generally  happen  in  the  inner  heel,  or  in  that 
part  of  the  sole  which  lies  within  the  angle  formed  by  the 
inflection  of  the  crust  or  wall  of  the  hoof,  or,  in  other  words, 
between  the  bar  and  crust.  In  their  early  stage  they  gen- 
erally cause  some  degree  of  lameness.  If  not  attended  to  at 
this  period,  the  horse  soon  becomes  lame  ;  and  when  the  shoe 
is  removed  for  examination,  the  horny  matter  in  the  part 
described  will  be  found,  upon  scraping  off  the  exterior  sur- 
face, of  a  dark  red  color.     If  the  shoe  is  not  removed  at  this 


SHOEING.  57 

stage  of  the  disease,  continued  pressure  on  the  tender  part, 
or  corn,  will  at  length  cause  matter  to  form,  which,  finding 
no  vent  beneath,  ascends  to  the  upper  part  of  the  hoof,  called 
the  coronet,  where  it  breaks  out  ;  and  this  often  misleads  the 
practitioner,  and  the  real  cause  is  not  suspected.  The  only 
proper  way  to  proceed,  is  to  pare  out  the  red  part,  then  take 
a  small  piece  of  tow,  saturate  it  with  tincture  of  myrrh,  and 
place  it  on  the  corn  ;  then  have  the  animal  shod  with  a  bar 
shoe,  and  this  can  only  be  applied  when  the  frog  is  sufficient- 
ly prominent  and  firm  to  receive  its  pressure.  For,  should 
the  frog-  be  lower  than  the  heels,  (that  is,  supposing  the  foot 
to  be  taken  up,  and  its  bottom  part  held  upwards,)  it  must  be 
obvious  that  the  bar  shoe  cannot  bear  upon  it,  and  will,  there- 
fore, be  useless.  The  only  thing  to  be  done  in  this  case,  is 
to  pare  away  the  crust  of  the  tender  heel,  so  that  the  heel  of 
a  common  shoe  may  not  rest  upon  it.  The  only  mode  by 
which  a  corn  can  be  either  cured  or  palliated,  is  to  take  off 
all  pressure  from  the  parts  ;  and  this,  not  only  for  a  short 
time,  but  till  the  injured  sensitive  parts  have  lost  their  tender- 
ness, and  formed  horn  of  sufficient  strength  to  enable  them 
to  bear  pressure.  While  a  horse  is  worked,  the  shoe  should  be 
frequently  examined  ;  and  whenever  the  heel  appears  to  be  so 
near  the  diseased  part  as  to  be  in  danger  of  bearing  upon  it, 
there  must  be  a  vacancy  between  the  heel  of  the  hoof  and 
that  of  the  shoe.  When  a  horse  becomes  very  lame  from  a 
corn,  and  matter  is  seen  oozing  out  about  the  coronet,  it  will 
be  advisable  to  leave  off  the  shoe,  and  apply  a  poultice  of 
shorts,  or  marshmallows. 


SHOEING. 


Many  of  the  evil  consequences  of  shoeing  arise  from  the 
operator  having  but  a%fcry  imperfect  knowledge  of  the  struc- 
ture and  various  functions  of  the  foot.     (See  Anatomy  of  the 
Foot.)     In  shoeing  a  strong,  well-formed  foot,  there  is  very 
8 


58  SHOEING. 

little  difficulty,  provided  the  smith  understands  his  business  ; 
but  in  feet  that  are  deformed,  considerable  skill  is  required, 
and  a  knowledge  of  the  anatomy  of  the  foot  is  indispensable. 

The  greatest  evils  in  shoeing  arise  from  the  introduction 
of  nails  ;  and,  notwithstanding  many  men  of  note  in  the 
veterinary  art  have  strenuously  labored  to  obviate  the  mis- 
chief, or  to  discover  some  new  and  better  mode  of  fixing  the 
shoe,  their  efforts  have  not  hitherto  been  crowned  with  suc- 
cess. 

Great  ignorance  was  displayed  in  the  earlier  methods  of 
shoeing ;  the  bars  were  totally  cut  away,  and  the  frog  con- 
siderably pared  down  ;  the  shoe  was  badly  shaped,  and  was 
put  on  the  foot  red  hot :  the  result  was,  what  might  be  ex- 
pected, —  the  functions  of  the  bars  and  frog  were  destroyed, 
and  the  ill-shaped  shoe  acting  with  these,  contraction  in  its 
worst  form  appeared,  while  the  application  of  the  hot  shoe 
dried  up  the  moisture  of  the  crust. 

The  first  who  made  any  reformation  in  this  method  was 
Lafosse  ;  he  introduced  the  half-moon  shoe.  This  was  con- 
sidered an  improvement ;  its  semicircular  shape  seemed  to  be 
more  adapted  to  the  healthy  hoof,  and  not  reaching  beyond 
the  middle  of  the  foot,  the  nails  were  placed  near  the  toe  ; 
hitherto  their  situation  had  been  nearer  the  heels,  which  pre- 
vented a  proper  action  of  the  sole  and  frog,  thus  destroying 
the  natural  spring  and  elasticity  of  the  foot.  Bracken  and 
Bartlett  made  Lafosse's  treatise  known  in  England ;  but  his 
method  had  this  disadvantage,  that  the  horses  were  apt  to 
slip,  and  the  heels  were  worn  down  very  fast.  To  Lafosse 
succeeded  William  Osmer,  who  first  prohibited  the  extensive 
paring  of  the  hoof,  that  had  as  yet  been  practised.  The  crust 
was  made  smooth  by  rasping  ;  the  frog  and  bars  were  only  to 
be  cut  when  the  edges  were  ragged  ;  the  shoe  was  equally 
thick  in  every  part ;  the  surface  next  the  ground  was  flat,  but 
narrower  behind  than  before. 

Many  now  appeared,  who  introduce^ various  methods  of 
shoeing  and  forms  of  shoes,  all  of  which  displayed  more  or 
less  ingenuity.     Lord  Pembroke  and  Mr.  Bracy  Clark  deserve 


SHOEING.  59 

mention.  "^The  Veterinary  College  threw  out  many  hints  and 
improvements,  and  Mr.  Coleman  labored  hard  to  extend  the 
knowledge  already  obtained. 

Mr.  Clark's  shoe  did  not  materially  differ  from  that  recom- 
mended by  Osmer  ;  he  raised  many  objections  against  elevat- 
ing the  heels  with  calkins — preferred,  however,  sharp  calkings 
in  hilly  roads. 

Mr.  Lawrence  speaks  in  favor  of  the  French  method  of 
driving  the  nails  into  shoes,  which  is  in  an  oblique  direction, 
so  that  the  points  come  out  about  three  quarters  of  an  inch 
above  the  shoe. 

The  preparation  of  the  foot,  and  the  operation  of  shoeing, 
should  be  performed  as  follows  :  — 

In  taking  off  the  old  shoe,  it  is  always  necessary  to  raise 
the  clenched  portion  of  the  nails,  for,  if  neglected,  the 
nail  holes  become  enlarged,  and  not  unfrequently  pieces  of 
the  crust  are  torn  off;  this*  must  naturally  weaken  the  hold 
of  the  new  nails,  and  injure  the  foot  in  other  ways. 

The  edges  of  the  crust  must  then  be  rasped,  to  ascertain 
if  any  stubbs  remain  behind  ;  this  process  will  likewise  re- 
move the  dirt  and  gravel. 

Paring  is  the  next  process,  and  perhaps  the  most  difficult. 
The  quantity  to  be  cut  away  will  vary  with  different  horses. 
The  flat  foot  needs  very  little  paring.  In  the  concave,  or 
hollow  foot,  the  horn  may  be  cut  till  the  sole  yields  to  mode- 
rate pressure  ;  when  the  sole  appears  in  flakes^  and  thick  in 
substance,  it  will  be  better  to  make  the  sole  sufficiently  hol- 
low to  admit  the  application  of  a  flat  shoe,  as  it  will  rest  only, 
in  that  case,  on  the  crust.  But  when  the  sole  will  not  allow 
of  being  thus  pared,  the  shoe  must  then  be  made  concave,  or 
hollow,  on  the  surface  next  the  foot. 

The  crust  must  be  level  all  round,  and  the  heels  of  the 
shoe  should  rest  on  the  junction  of  the  bars  with  the  crust. 

The  bars  should  be  left  prominent,  and  never,  under  any 
circumstances,  should  they  be  cut  away.  If  there  is  any  one 
part  of  shoeing  more  important  than  the  rest,  it  is  to  suffer 
the  bars  to  remain  prominent  ;   if  they  are  cut  away,  which 


60  SHOEING. 

is  frequently  done,  contraction  or  permanent  lameness  is  the 
result.  The  horn  between  the  bars  and  crust  must  be  re- 
moved ;  when  this  is  done,  and  the  shoe  rests  on  the  junction 
of  the  bars  and  crust,  the  horse  will  generally  be  free  from 
corns. 

The  frog  must  be  carefully  pared  away  according  to  the 
shape  and  prominence  of  the  foot,  but  it  must  be  left  within 
and  above  the  lower  surface  of  the  shoe  ;  if  it  descend  lower 
than  this,  it  will  be  injured  ;  and  if  it  be  allowed  to  remain 
higher,  it  will  not  touch  the  ground,  and  its  intention  is  thus 
rendered  abortive,  and  its  functions  cannot  be  discharged. 

For  a  perfect  hoof,  the  shoe  should  not  be  more  than  three 
quarters  of  an  inch  broad,  and  of  the  same  thickness  at  the 
heel  as  at  the  toe. 

The  surface  of  the  shoe  that  bears  on  the  ground  should 
be  flat ;  that  next  the  foot,  particularly  at  the  toe,  should  be 
hollowed  ;  for  even  in  good  feet,  the  sole  towards  the  toe  is 
often  level  with  the  crust,  and  consequently  would  be  pressed 
upon  by  the  shoe,  were  its  surface  made  flat.  The  toe  of 
the  shoe,  being  the  part  that  wears  most,  should  be  formed  of 
steel.  The  nails  should  be  placed  as  near  the  toe  as  is  con- 
sistent with  the  security  of  the  shoe,  that  there  may  be  as 
little  restraint  as  possible  upon  the  motion  of  the  heels,  and 
quarters  of  the  hoof. 

The  crust  of  flat  feet  is  usually  weak ;  therefore,  great  care 
is  required  in  nailing  on  the  shoe  ;  and  this  will  appear  the 
more  necessary,  when  it  is  considered  how  much  pain  the 
animal  must  suffer,  and  what  severe  lameness  may  ensue, 
should  he  happen  to  lose  a  shoe  during  a  journey.  Horses 
that,  have  long  and  slanting  pasterns,  with  weak,  low  heels, 
require  a  shoe  rather  thicker  at  the  heel  than  the  toe  ;  and 
when  the  pasterns  are  short  and  upright,  and  the  crust  of  the 
heels  deep  and  strong,  a  thin-heeled  shoe  is  proper. 

The  most  important  object  to  be  borne  in  mind,  is  the  treat- 
ment of  the  foot  at  the  time  of  shoeing.  The  blacksmith 
should  never  cut  away  more  of  the  hoof  than  would  be  worn 
away  were  the  animal   in  a  state  of  unrestrained  freedom. 


SHOEING.  61 

The  shoe  should  never  be  put  on  hot ;  neither  should  the  foot 
be  shaped  to  fit  the  shoe. 

The  bar  shoe,  which  is  called  into  use  when  the  foot  is 
affected  with  corns,  sandcrack,  &c,  should  never  be  worn 
longer  than  the  disease  requires. 

Contraction  of  the  Hoof.  —  This  is  a  very  common  defect 
in  horses,  and  though  it  sometimes  takes  place  under  the  best 
management,  and  even  in  colts  that  have  never  been  shod,  it 
is  more  commonly  the  effect  of  improper  treatment.  If  we 
cut  off  the  foot  of  a  dead  horse,  and  keep  it  in  a  dry  but  cool 
situation,  so  that  it  may  not  soon  become  putrid,  it  will  be 
found  to  undergo  but  very  little  alteration  in  its  form,  though 
kept  a  considerable  time  ;  but,  if  the  contents  of  the  hoof  are 
taken  out,  which  may  be  done  by  keeping  the  foot  a  few  days 
in  a  hot  situation,  the  hoof  will  then  be  found  to  shrink  or 
contract.  This  contraction  will  take  place  principally  at  the 
higher  part  or  coronet,  and  towards  the  heels ;  the  horn  being 
in  those  parts  most  flexible,  and  containing  nothing  to  oppose 
the  contracting  power.  At  the  lower  part,  or  bottom  of  the 
crust,  there  may  be  the  same  tendency  to  contraction  j  but 
there  the  horn  is  much  thicker,  and  the  contractible  power  is 
strongly  opposed  by  the  bottom  of  the  hoof :  that  is,,  the  frog, 
bars,  and  sole.  If  the  bottom  of  the  foot  is  removed,  the 
heels  will  then  contract  rapidly.  What  then,  it  may  be  asked, 
is  it  that  prevents  contraction  of  the  hoof  in  the  living  horse; 
and  by  what  circumstances  is  the  tendency  or  disposition  to 
contract  produced  ?  The  hoof,  in  its  healthy  state,  is  per- 
vaded by  a  fluid,  by  means  of  which  it  is  preserved  in  a 
flexible  and  elastic  state.  If,  by  any  means,  a  preternatural 
degree  of  heat  is  excited  in  the  foot,  this  fluid  will  be  too 
quickly  absorbed,  and  the  supply  will  be  diminished  ;  the 
horny  matter  will,  therefore,  be  disposed  to  contract  or  shrink  ; 
and  the  contraction  will  take  place  more  or  less  rapidly, 
according  to  the  degree  in  which  the  disposition  to  contrac- 
tion exists,  and  the  resistance  that  is  opposed  to  it.  Contrac- 
tion of  the  hoof  sometimes  depends  on  error  in  shoeing ; 
yet  the  cause  is  often  found  in  a  morbid  state  of  the  foot. 


62  SHOEING. 

brought  on  by  immoderate  work,  or  standing  idle  in  the 
stable  ;  and  sometimes  depending,  also,  on  constitutional  or 
hereditary  taint.  When  the  nervous  structure  of  any  part  of 
the  body  is  impaired,  it  oners  very  little  resistance  to  the 
encroachments  of  disease.  The  best  means  of  preventing 
contraction  of  the  hoof,  is  to  breed  from  stallions  and  mares 
that  are  free  from  it ;  to  break  colts,  and  bring  them  into 
work,  at  a  proper  age ;  and  when  brought  into  the  stable,  to 
feed  them  properly,  and  work  them  with  consideration.  If  a 
young  horse  is  brought  into  work  before  he  comes  to  maturity, 
there  will  be  an  undue  expenditure  of  vital  power.  A  horse 
in  a  state  of  nature  takes  proper  and  sufficient  exercise,  and 
the  friction  to  which  the  feet  are  exposed  is  sufficient  to  wear 
away  the  useless  horn  ;  but  when  he  is  taken  into  the  stable, 
his  shoes  nailed  to  the  hoofs,  and  is  made  to  stand  for  several 
days  together  without  any  exercise,  is  it  strange  that  the  feet 
should  become  diseased,  or  contracted  ?  Sometimes  a  natural 
drain,  or  issue,  is  formed  in  one  or  both  feet ;  that  is,  a  thrush 
takes  place ;  but  the  thrush  is  an  evil,  though  less  than  it  has 
a  tendency  to  remove.  (See  Thrush,  part  Second.)  The 
term  contraction  of  the  hoof  is  sometimes  improperly  applied  ; 
for  in  all  those  cases  of  chronic  lameness  that  have  been  sup- 
posed to  depend  upon  contraction  of  the  hoof,  though  the 
contraction  has  been  removed,  the  lameness  has  continued. 
The  general  application  of  the  term  contraction  has  been 
often  the  cause  of  obscuring  the  real  nature  of  the  lameness 
which  has  been  so  named,  and  has  led  to  many  contrivances, 
in  the  way  of  shoeing,  for  expanding  the  hoof ;  such  as  forc- 
ing it  apart  by  means  of  a  screw. 

If  we  look  at  the  real  nature  of  contractions,  we  shall  find 
that  they  originate,  generally,  in  an  excessive  use  of  the  organ 
and  bad  stable  management ;  therefore  the  only  probable 
means  of  restoration  is  a  long  run  at  grass. 


REMARKS    ON    FEEDING.  63 


REMARKS  ON  FEEDING. 

As  the  food  of  horses  is  well  known  to  act  considerably  in 
maintaining  health  in  some  cases,  and  in  others  to  be  a  serious 
cause  of  disease,  it  is,  therefore,  an  important  subject  to  the 
farmer  and  stable-keeper,  and  demands  their  serious  considera- 
tion. Food  may  consist,  of  two  kinds,  namely,  natural,  or 
such  as  animals  are  found  to  subsist  on  in  a  state  of  unre- 
strained freedom  ;  and  artificial,  or  such  as  man,  by  his  own 
experience  and  observation,  has  found  most  suitable  to  pro- 
duce health,  strength,  and  condition,  when  domesticated  and 
rendered  subservient  to  his  use.  Herbage  forms  a  great  part 
of  the  food  given  to  horses,  such  as  grasses  and  clover  ;  the 
different  kind  of  grasses  are  usually  converted  into  hay. 
Clover  is  given  green,  since  it  appears  to  be  more  useful  in 
that  form,  for  when  dry  it  is  not  so  easily  digested,  and  con- 
tains less  nutritive  matter.  The  green  herbage  is  invaluable 
in  the  cure  of  some  obstinate  cases  of  disease,  simply  by  its 
medicinal  effects.  When  hay  is  cut  at  the  proper  season, 
namely,  before  it  becomes  too  fibrous,  the  greatest  care  is 
requisite  in  the  drying  process,  for  the  most  judicious  persons 
have  frequently  been  unfortunate  enough  to  have  their  hay 
turn  musty  ;  in  such  cases  it  is  impaired  in  quality.  To 
obtain  good  hay,  the  grass  should  consist  of  various  sorts; 
or  be,  as  it  is  commonly  termed,  full  of  herbage.  The  soil 
should  be  well  drained.  The  grass  should  be  mowed  early, 
and  while  in  flower,  and  should  be  afterwards  almost  con- 
stantly attended  to,  if  the  weather  is  favorable  ;  the  more  it 
is  scattered  about,  the  better  will  it  be  made,  and  the  more 
effectually  will  its  fragrance  and  other  good  qualities  be  pre- 
served. The  quantity  is  sometimes  looked  to  more  than  the 
quality.  Horses  that  are  fed  long  on  bad  or  musty  hay, 
.sooner  or  later  suffer  from  indigestion,  and  a  consequent  loss 
of  condition. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  annexed  table,  that  hay  contains  but 
a  small  amount  of  nutrition  in  proportion  to  the  same  weight 


64  REMARKS    ON    FEEDING. 

of  grain  ;  therefore  hay,  to  support  life,  must  be  given  in  large 
quantities  ;  much  time  is  required  to  digest  it,  and  a  large 
quantity  of  saliva  and  gastric  juice  to  macerate  it  before  it 
can  be  digested  :  all  these  circumstances  are  directly  opposed 
to  the  uses  of  the  horse,  to  which  luxury  and  the  wants  of 
man  have  applied  him.  Hay,  therefore,  should  be  used  as  a 
condiment,  to  increase  the  bulk  of  food  to  a  healthy  distention 
of  the  stomach  ;  and  as  such,  very  little  of  it  should  be  used. 
The  salt  meadow  hay  has  many  objections  ;  the  principal  one 
is,  that  it  is  cut  too  late,  after  the  stems  have  become  tough 
and  fibrous.  The  effects  of  insufficient  food  are  too  well 
known  to  need  much  description  ;  debility  includes  them  all ; 
it  invades  every  function  of  the  animal.  And  as  life  is  the 
sum  of  the  powers  that  resist  disease,  and  if  disease  is  only 
the  instrument  of  death,  it  follows,  of  course,  that  whatever 
enfeebles  life,  or,  in  other  words,  produces  debility,  must  pre- 
dispose to  disease.  When  horses  are  put  to  regular  daily 
work,  their  vital  power  will  be  best  maintained  by  a  mixed 
diet,  composed  of  shorts,  meal,  cracked  corn,  oats,  and  hay, 
the  latter  cut  and  mixed  with  the  other  articles,  which  must 
be  moistened  ;  bearing  in  mind,  however,  that  horses,  like 
ourselves,  vary  constitutionally,  some  being  more  readily  and 
simply  nourished  than  others.  The  principal  food  used  in 
the  New  England  States  are  oats,  hay,  and  corn;  the  latter  is 
ground  or  broken,  and  sometimes  given  whole.  Oats  have 
quite  an  extensive  use  ;  these,  after  being  kept  some  time, 
give  out  moisture,  which  is  supposed  to  render  them  more 
wholesome  than  new.  When  oats  are  damaged,  they  are 
unfit  for  the  horse;  if,  however,  they  areaised,  they  ought  to 
be  exposed  to  the  heat  of  the  sun,  for  kiln-dried  oats  produce 
disease  of  the  bowels  and  skin,  and  of  the  system  generally. 
Much  has  been  written  on  the  advantage  of  bruising  oats  for 
horses,  and  it  has  been  proved  by  comparative  tests,  that  a 
great  saving  may  be  thus  effected.  Some  horses  will  not 
masticate  the  oats;  hence  they  are  swallowed  whole  ;  an 
examination  of  the  excrement  will  prove  this  to  be  the  case. 
The  most  general  roots  in  use  are,   1.  Carrots,  which  are 


REMARKS    ON    FEEDING.  65 

one  of  the  best  remedial  agents  in  our  possession.  When  the 
horse  is  in  health,  they  assist  nature  to  maintain  the  physio- 
logical operations  of  all  the  functions.  The  sick  horse  will 
be  improved  by  the  use  of  this  useful  vegetable.  It  forms 
one  of  the  best  poultices,  where  poultices  are  indicated,  with 
which  we  are  acquainted  ;  when  cut  up  in  small  pieces,  or 
scalded,  and  given  to  the  horse  occasionally,  they  are  very 
acceptable  to  the  digestive  organs  :  in  cases  of  chronic  indi- 
gestion, and  diseases  of  the  lungs,  they  are  invaluable. 
2.  Parsnips  produce  the  same  effect,  and  are  about  equal  in 
their  amount  of  nutritive  matter.  3.  Potatoes  have  been 
given  to  the  horse,  but  the  benefit  derived  from  them  is  greater 
when  boiled.  In  addition  to  the  different  diets  here  named, 
many  employ  other  things  ;  but  this  chiefly  depends  on  the 
locality,  and  the  possibility  of  procuring  such  food  as  is  gen- 
erally esteemed  most  wholesome. 

A  list,  showing  the  relative  amounts  of  nutritive  matter 
contained  in  the  following  articles,  taken  from  Sir  H.  Davy's 
work  on  chemistry  :  — 

"  1000  parts  of  wheat  contain  995  parts  of  nutritive  mat- 
ter ;  barley,  920 ;  oats,  742  ;  peas,  574  ;  beans,  570  ;  potatoes, 
230;  red  beets,  148;  parsnips,  99;  carrots,  98." 

Of  the  grasses,  1000  parts  of  meadow  catstail  contain,  at 
the  time  of  seeding,  98  parts  of  nutritive  matter  ;  narrow 
leafed  meadow  grass  in  seed,  and  sweet  scented  soft  grass  in 
flower,  95 ;  narrow  leafed  and  flat  stalked  meadow  grass  in 
flower,  fertile  meadow  grass  in  seed,  and  creeping  soft  grass 
in  flower,  77  ;  cabbage,  73  ;  crested  dogstail  and  brome  flow- 
ering, 71  ;  yellow  oat  in  flower,  66;  yellow  turnip,  64;  nar- 
row leafed  meadow  grass,  creeping  beet,  59  ;  rough  meadow 
grass,  flowering,  56 ;  common  turnips,  42 ;  sainfoin  and  broad 
crested  clover,  52 ;  lucerne,  23.  Thus  it  appears  that  a  horse 
must  consume  an  immense  quantity  of  the  grasses,  to  enable 
the  digestive  organs  to  furnish  the  material  for  supplying  the 
great  waste  that  is  continually  going  on  ;  therefore,  however 
good  or  cheap  hay  may  be,  it  is  dear  provender  in  the  end. 
A  horse  will  live  and  thrive  best  on  a  mixed  diet,  already 
9 


66  OF    STEAMING    AND    PREPARING    FOOD    FOR    ANIMALS. 

referred  to  ;  yet  an  occasional  run  at  grass  will  improve  the 
condition.  If  indigestible  substances  are  given  to  the  horse, 
the  stomach  becomes  overworked  •  and  it  follows  that  when 
an  organ  is  overtaxed,  other  parts  of  the  system  become 
sympathetically  affected,  and  the  chemico-vital  machinery  is 
clogged.  This  is  in  accordance  with  nature's  laws,  which 
are  immutable  and  uncompromising ;  whenever  they  are  vio- 
lated the  penalty  is  sure  to  follow.  Men  who  prepare  horses 
for  the  market  attempt  to  get  them  into  condition,  without 
any  regard  to  their  general  health,  the  climate,  quantity  of 
food,  its  quality,  or  the  state  of  the  digestive  organs.  Men 
are  very  apt  to  think,  that  as  long  as  the  animal  has  what 
they  term  good  food,  and  just  as  much  as  they  can  cram  into 
the  stomach,  they  mnst  fatten ;  when,  in  fact,  such  an 
enormous  quantity  of  food  oppresses  the  stomach,  impairs  the 
digestive  organs,  and  converts  the  food  into  a  cause  of  disease. 
As  soon  as  the  stomach  is  overworked,  the  food  accumulates  ; 
distends  the  viscera,  interferes  with  the  motion  of  the  dia- 
phragm, presses  on  the  liver,  and  interrupts  the  circulation  of 
the  blood  through  that  organ,  seriously  interfering  with  the 
bile-secreting  process.  Many  thousands  of  our  most  valuable 
horses  die  in  consequence  of  being  too  well,  or,  rather,  inju- 
diciously fed.  Reader,  if  you  own  horses,  let  them  have 
their  meals  at  regular  hours,  in  sufficient  quantity,  and  no 
more  ;  good  straw  on  which  they  may  rest  their  weary  limbs  ; 
good  stables,  well  ventilated  ;  let  them  not  be  compelled  to 
breathe  the  emanations  that  arise  from  the  dung  or  urine  ; 
keep  them  clean,  avoid  undue  exposure  ;  don't  work  them  too 
soon  after  feeding  :  finally,  govern  them  in  a  spirit  of  kind- 
ness, and  there  will  be  little  foothold  for  disease. 


OF  STEAMING  AND  PREPARING  FOOD  FOR  ANIMALS. 

"On  one  occasion  a  number  of  cows  were  selected  from  a 
large  stock,  for  the  express  purpose  of  making  the  trial  :   they 


OF    STEAMING    AND    PREPARING    FOOD    FOR    ANIMALS.  67 

were  such  as  appeared  to  be  of  the  best  kind,  and  those  that 
gave  the  richest  milk.  In  order  to  ascertain  what  particular 
food  would  produce  the  best  milk,  different  species  of  grass 
and  clover  were  tried  separately,  and  the  quality  and  flavor 
of  the  butter  was  found  to  vary  very  much.  But  what  was 
of  the  most  importance,  many  of  the  grasses  were  found  to  be 
coated  with  silecia,  or  decomposed  sand,  and  too  hard  and 
insoluble  in  the  stomachs  of  the  cattle.  In  consequence  of 
this  the  grass  was  cut  and  well  steamed,  and  it  was  found  to 
be  readily  digested ;  and  the  butter  that  was  made  from  the 
milk,  much  firmer,  better  flavored,  and  would  keep  longer 
without  salt  than  any  other  kind.  Another  circumstance  that 
attended  the  experiment  was,  that  in  all  the  various  grasses 
and  grain,  that  were  intended  by  our  Creator  as  food  for  man 
and  beast,  the  various  oils  that  enter  into  their  composi- 
tion were  so  powerfully  assimilated  or  combined  with  the 
other  properties  of  the  farinaceous  plants,  that  the  oil  partook 
of  the  character  of  essential  oil,  and  was  not  so  easily  evapo- 
rated as  that  of  poisonous  vegetables ;  and  experience  has 
proved,  that  the  same  quantity  of  grass  steamed  and  given  to 
the  cattle  will  give  more  butter  than  when  the  hay  is  given 
in  its  dry  state.  This  fact  being  established  from  numerous 
experiments,  then  there  must  be  a  great  saving  and  superiori- 
ty in  this  mode  of  feeding.  The  meat  of  such  cattle  is  more 
wholesome,  tender,  and  better  flavored  than  when  fed  in  the 
ordinary  way."  Dr.  Whitlaw  thus  describes  the  process  of 
steaming  :  "  A  boiler,  that  will  hold  from  fifty  to  a  hundred 
gallons,  should  be  placed  in  a  convenient  situation,  upon  an 
iron  surface,  so  as  to  render  it  movable  at  pleasure,  although 
it  would  be  better  as  a  permanent  fixture.  The  boiler  should 
have  a  safety-valve  affixed  in  the  middle  of  the  lid,  which 
should  be  six  inches  in  diameter,  and  a  screw  and  unscrew 
to  the  boiler,  when  it  is  necessary  to  replenish  the  boiler. 
The  valve  should  be  three  or  four  inches  long,  one  inch  or 
more  in  diameter,  as  the  size  of  the  boiler  may  require,  with 
a  small  bar  across  the  bottom  tube  ;  and  a  small  hole  in  the 
centre  of  the  bar,   to  allow   the  stalk  of  the   valve   to   pass 


68  OF    STEAMING    AND    PREPARING    FOOD    FOR    ANIMALS. 

through  it,  which  must  be  in  the  form  of  a  pencil,  a  few 
inches  longer  than  the  barrel,  to  allow  the  steam  to  escape; 
with  a  guard  at  the  bottom,  with  a  notch  in  it,  the  size  of 
the  guard,  to  prevent  the  valve  flying  out.  There  should  be 
a  concave  head  to  the  valve,  to  fit  the  tube  close,  and  of  suffi- 
cient weight  to  prevent  its  bubbling  up,  unless  the  steam  be 
strong.  Next  procure  a  pipe  resembling  the  neck  of  a  goose 
when  standing  erect ;  the  wide  end  to  be  connected  with  the 
cover  of  the  boiler,  with  a  screw  to  connect  the  pipe  through 
which  the  steam  passes  into  the  box.  The  box  should  be 
made  of  three-inch  plank,  from  four  to  six  feet  square,  or  as 
large  as  may  be  required ;  strongly  dovetailed  at  the  corners, 
fixed  with  screws,  with  a  false  bottom,  and  about  eight  inches 
from  the  true  bottom  :  the  latter  should  be  perforated  with 
holes,  drilled  about  the  size  of  a  lead  pencil,  in  order  that  the 
steam  may  ascend.  The  pipe  from  the  boiler  should  enter 
immediately  below  the  false  bottom,  through  a  hole  made  for 
the  purpose,  and  of  the  same  bore  as  the  pipe.  When  thus 
prepared,  the  box  should  be  filled  with  chopped  hay,  or 
whatever  dry  food  is  used,  such  as  cornstalks,  &c.  The 
steam  should  be  turned  on,  and  kept  exerting  its  power  for 
a  short  time,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  food.  When 
cool,  a  pailful  of  it  may  be  mixed  with  a  few  handfuls  of 
cracked  oats,  or  ground  corn,  and  should  be  given  to  each 
cow  night  and  morning  :  half  a  tablespoonful  of  salt  should 
be  given  twice  a  week.  The  cows  should  have,  in  addition, 
a  sufficient  quantity  of  dry  hay  to  give  them  employment  in 
chewing  the  cud.  They  must  be  kept  perfectly  clean,  and 
be  combed  with  a  wool  card  every  morning  ;  for  this  practice 
will  create  that  circulation  through  the  skin,  which  is  neces- 
sary to  the  health  of  the  cow  and  the  milk  she  gives,  as  a 
free  circulation  is  to  the  lungs.  Another  great  advantage 
obtained  by  steaming  is,  that  it  volatilizes,  or  throws  off,  the 
oils  of  many  pernicious  plants  that  may  be  among  the  hay, 
particularly  the  buttercup,  and  keeps  the  cattle  from  suffer- 
ing from  the  bad  effects  of  the  poison.  When  potatoes  are 
steamed,  (and  they  never  should  be  given  without,)  a  con- 


WATERING. 


69 


siderable  degree  more  of  their  dangerous  powers  dissipates, 
than  would  by  boiling  them,  and  consequently  they  are  much 
improved  for  food.     Having  paid  great  attention  to  the  cul- 
tivation of  the  potato,"  observes  Dr.  Whitlaw,  "  I  may  be 
allowed  to  suggest  something  that  will  be  useful  to  the  farm- 
er.    Potatoes  ought  to  be  raised  on  new  earth  —  gravelly, 
chalky,    marly,    slaty,    and    mountainous   earths.      In   such 
situations   they  are  more  mealy  and  wholesome  ;  but  when 
grown  in  rich  manure  and  clayey  soils,  they  are  apt  to  pro- 
duce disease.     During   the   process   of  boiling   potatoes,   the 
poisonous  or  night-shade   principle   is   so   blended  with  the 
starch  and  gluten,  that  it  never  can  be  separated,  so  as  to 
produce  gluten  and  flour  afterwards.     If  potatoes  were  to  be 
raised  on  low  grounds,  and  eaten   in  the  torrid  zone,  in  the 
same  way  they  are  in   England,  they  would  prove  a  mortal 
poison.     Carrots,  beets,  and  parsnips,  should  be  raised  on  dry 
ground ;  particularly  carrots  and  parsnips,  as  a  wet  soil  ren- 
ders them  injurious,  as  well  as  all  umbelliferous  plants  ;  and 
as  they  are  frequently  made  food  for  cattle,  they  should  be 
well  steamed." 


WATERING. 


Although  few  pay  proper  attention  to  this  department  of 
stable  management,  yet  a  little  reflection  will  prove  of  how 
much  importance  it  is,  that  the  horse  should  be  supplied  with 
such  water  as  is  most  palatable  to  him.  Horses  have  a  great 
aversion  to  what  is  termed  hard  water,  and  have  been  known 
to  turn  away  from  the  filthy  stuff  found  in  the  troughs  of 
some  of  our  stables :  the  water  of  wells  and  pumps  in  our 
seaport  towns  is  usually  hard,  and  possesses  a  degree  of  cold- 
ness not  at  all  congenial  with  the  palate  of  the  animal. 
The  intense  coldness  of  well  water,  in  the  summer  months, 
has  been  known  to  gripe,  and  produce  spasmodic  colic,  injur- 
ing the  animal  in  other  ways. 


70 


EXERCISE. 


When  a  horse  is  in  health  he  may  be  frequently  watered, 
taking  care  to  allow  but  a  small  portion  at  a  time.  When 
water  is  drunk  immoderately,  it  reduces  the  system  to  a  con- 
dition which  renders  him  an  easy  prey  to  the  attacks  of 
severe  disease,  by  despoiling  the  structures  of  their  elasticity 
and  vigor.  A  horse  that  is  about  to  perform  a  journey  should 
be  restrained  from  taking  too  much  fluid.  It  is  a  bad  arrange- 
ment to  water  a  horse  just  before  feeding,  yet  this  is  to  a 
great  extent  a  general  practice. 

If  the  animal  has  just  arrived  from  a  journey,  or  has 
worked  hard,  about  two  quarts  may  be  given  ;  yet  if  he  is 
in  a  state  of  perspiration,  he  should  be  rubbed  dry  before 
partaking  of  any  fluid.  Water  should  always  be  given  to  a 
horse  from  a  bucket,  (we  mean  working  horses,)  and  they 
never  should  have  more  than  half  a  bucket  at  a  time  ;  two 
or  three  buckets  a  day  would  be  sufficient  for  any  horse. 

Walking  exercise  is  useful  after  watering,  but  trotting  or 
galloping  is  dangerous.  Should  a  horse  get  loose  during  the 
night,  and  overload  the  stomach  Avith  corn,  then  a  drink  of 
water  would  be  equivalent  to  a  sentence  of  death.  The  only 
proper  course  would  be,  to  keep  the  animal  quiet,  arouse  the 
stomach  and  digestive  organs  to  action  by  a  cordial  and  car- 
minative drink ;  use  injections  ;  after  the  danger  is  over,  and 
not  till  then,  should  the  horse  be  permitted  to  drink. 


EXERCISE. 


This  is  an  essential  part  of  stable  management,  and  like 
food,  it  tends  towards  the  health  and  strength  of  the  animal. 
Daily  exercise  is  necessary  to  all  horses,  unless  they  are  sick ; 
it  assists  and  promotes  a  free  circulation  of  the  blood,  deter- 
mines morbific  matter  to  the  surface,  develops  the  muscular 
structure,  creates  an  appetite,  improves  the  wind,  and  finally 
invigorates  the  whole  system.  We  cannot  expect  much  of 
a  horse  that   lias  not   been   habituated  to  a  sufficient   daily 


WANT    OF    APPETITE.  71 

exercise  ;  while  such  as  have  been  daily  exercised,  and  well 
managed,  are  capable  not  only  of  great  exertion  and  fatigue, 
but  are  ready  and  willing  to  do  our  bidding  at  any  season. 
When  an  animal  is  overworked,  it  renders  the  system  very 
susceptible  to  whatever  morbid  influences  may  be  present, 
and  imparts  to  the  disease  they  may  labor  under  an  unusual 
degree  of  severity.  The  exhaustion  produced  by  want  of 
rest  is  equally  dangerous  ;  such  horses  are  always  among  the 
first  victims,  and  when  attacked  their  treatment  is  embarrass- 
ing and  unsatisfactory. 


WANT  OE  APPETITE. 

This  sometimes  arises  from  over-exertion,  or  immoderate 
work,  which  produces  general  debility,  and  of  course  the  whole 
functions  are  more  or  less  disturbed,  and  take  on  the  same 
morbid  action  :  at  other  times  it  is  brought  on  by  suffering 
the  horse  to  overload  the  stomach  and  bowels ;  by  standing 
in  the  stable  without  exercise,  and  eating  immoderately  of* 
hay.  Want  of  appetite  may  depend  on  a  natural  delicacy  of 
the  stomach,  or  on  the  bad  quality  of  the  food. 

Bad  hay  is  often  eaten  with  little  or  no  appetite,  especially 
when  it  has  been  musty.  When  the  appetite  fails,  though  the 
food  is  good,  and  the  horse  has  only  moderate  work,  the  diet 
should  be  changed ;  a  small  quantity  of  straw,  cut  up  with 
what  is  called  cut  feed,  would  be  serviceable  j  but  if  the  horse 
has  been  worked  hard,  rest  probably  is  the  only  remedy  neces- 
sary. Young  horses  sometimes  refuse  the  hay,  or  mangle  it, 
from  soreness  of  the  mouth,  in  consequence  of  changing  their 
teeth.  This  is  sometimes  attributed  to  lampas,  and  the  knife 
or  firing  iron  is  resorted  to  :  this  is  a  barbarous  and  cruel  prac- 
tice, and  should  never  be  permitted.  When  a  young  horse  is 
changing  his  teeth,  the  whole  mouth  becomes  red  and  tender, 
which  makes  him  fearful  of  eating  hay  or  unground  corn, 


72  WANT    OF    APPETITE. 

from  the  pain  it  gives  him.  In  all  such  cases  the  horse 
should  be  kept  on  scalded  shorts,  or  cut  feed,  until  the  sore- 
ness of  the  mouth  is  removed.  In  old  horses,  when  the 
lampas  are  down  to  a  level  with  the  front  nippers,  the  part 
should  be  washed  with  a  strong  solution  of  burnt  alum  :  or 
make  a  decoction  of  powdered  bloodroot,  and  wash  the  part 
night  and  morning.  All  serious  internal  disorders  are  attended 
with  loss  of  appetite.  Weakness  of  appetite  is  often  consti- 
tutional, and  cannot  be  cured  ;  yet  it  may  be  palliated :  when 
such  a  horse  is  wanted  only  for  moderate  work,  his  appetite 
may  be  greatly  improved  by  careful  feeding,  good  grooming, 
and  a  well-ventilated  stable.  The  food  must  be  of  the  best 
quality,  and  the  water  pure,  and  not  too  cold  or  hard  ;  he 
should  have  but  little  food  at  a  time,  but  the  more  frequently. 
He  should  never  have  more,  but  rather  less,  food  put  before 
him  at  a  time  than  he  is  inclined  to  eat  ;  and  if,  at  any  time, 
he  is  found  to  leave  food  in  the  manger,  it  should  be  taken 
out,  and  after  keeping  him  without  food  for  a  short  time, 
some  fresh  hay,  oats,  or  shorts  may  be  given.  The  rack, 
manger,  and  every  part  of  the  stall  should  be  kept  clean,  and 
when  taken  out  for  exercise  or  work,  the  stall  should  be  well 
swept  out,  the  old  litter  spread  out  to  dry,  and  that  part  unfit 
for  use  taken  away.  At  night  some  clean,  fresh  straw  should 
be  placed  under  him.  A  change  of  food  is  often  useful, 
especially  when  green  food  or  carrots  can  be  obtained.  It  is 
the  custom  in  many  stables  to  collect  the  bedding  after  it  has 
been  saturated  with  the  fluids  of  the  excrement  and  urine, 
and  place  it  under  the  manger,  thus  submitting  the  horse  to 
the  noxious  vapors  that  arise  from  the  filthy  mass.  Is  it  to 
be  wondered  at,  that  the  poor  animals  should  drag  out  such  a 
miserable  existence? 

Though  a-  good  appetite  is  very  desirable  in  the  horse, 
especially  in  one  that  works  hard,  yet  the  unlimited  indul- 
gence, as  we  have  already  shown,  leads  to  serious  conse- 
quences. Some  horses  will  do  well  on  less  food  than  others  ; 
but  this  does  not  form  any  objection  to  the  establishment  of 
a  fixed  allowance,  taking  into  consideration  the  age,  size,  and 


WANT    OF    APPETITE.  73 

capacity  of  the  digestive  organs.  The  author  has  visited 
stables  containing  from  ten  to  one  hundred  horses :  out  of 
that  number  no  two  could  be  found  that  would  correspond 
exactly  in  external  conformation,  or  muscular  capacity ;  they 
weighed  from  seven  to  eleven  hundred  pounds.  Upon  a  little 
reflection,  it  will  be  seen  that  some  of  these  horses  would 
require  less  food  than  others ;  yet  they  all  had  their  twelve 
quarts,  and  as  much  hay  as  they  could  cram  down.  The 
evil  consequences  of  overfeeding  are  sometimes  gradual  in 
their  progress,  and  often  so  slow  as  to  escape  observation ;  so 
that  when  it  amounts  to  a  serious  disorder,  the  cause  is  often 
lost  sight  of.  Every  man  must  be  aware  how  important  it  is 
to  know  the  cause  of  the  malady  before  an  attempt  to  cure 
is  made. 

Very  few  men  notice  the  quantity  of  hay  a  horse  eats,  and 
there  are  but  few  who  attend  to  its  quality  ;  yet  every  one 
will  admit,  that  it  is  necessary  to  limit  the  allowance  of  hay, 
whether  we  regard  the  expense  of  the  article  or  the  horse's 
health.  If  a  horse  stands  idle  in  the  stable  for  a  whole  day, 
with  as  much  hay  before  him  as  he  will  eat,  he  generally  eats 
too  much,  especially  if  he  has  but  little  corn  and  too  much 
water.  The  increased  capacity  of  the  stomach,  which  gen- 
erally results  from  overloading  that  organ,  is  frequently  accom- 
panied with  increased  appetite.  So  craving,  or  morbid,  is 
the  appetite,  that  the  animal  will  eat  his  bedding,  or  any 
thing  that  comes  in  the  way,  until  the  stomach  is  sufficiently 
filled  to  allay  the  sensations  of  hunger.  When  a  horse  eats 
an  immoderate  quantity  of  hay,  he  is  always  craving  after 
water  ;  so  great  is  the  thirst,  that  the  horse  generally  loses 
that  delicacy  of  taste  and  smell  that  is  natural  to  him,  and 
will  drink  any  water  that  comes  in  his  way.  The  best  way 
of  correcting  this  morbid  appetite  is,  to  turn  the  animal  out 
to  pasture,  (if  the  season  permits,)  where  there  is  but  little 
grass,  so  that  he  may  be  obliged  to  work  for  a  living.  Here, 
if  it  is  not  too  late,  the  stomach  will  gradually  contract  ;  and 
as  it  diminishes  in  capacity,  it  will  increase  in  strength.  In 
the  same  ratio  will  the  digestive  organs  be  improved,  and  the 
10 


74  ON    STABLE    MANAGEMENT. 

delicacy  of  taste  be  restored.  By  proper  attention  to  the 
appetite,  not  only  will  a  horse  be  kept  in  good  health,  but  a 
great  saving  will  be  effected  ;  for  it  must  be  borne  in  mind, 
that  when  a  horse  eats  more  than  he  can  digest,  he  does  him- 
self harm,  and  occasions  a  great  waste  of  food. 


ON  STABLE  MANAGEMENT. 

As  the  construction  and  management  of  the  stable  are 
materially  connected  with  the  prevention  of  disease,,  it  is 
necessary  that  every  farmer  should  pay  particular  attention 
to  this  important  branch,  since  to  negligence  in  this  depart- 
ment may  be  traced  many  of  those  diseases  which  derange 
the  natural  functions  of  the  body.  When  a  horse  is  roam- 
ing at  liberty  in  the  forest  or  field,  he  enjoys  all  the  advan- 
tages of  fresh  and  pure  air,  and  no  restriction  of  light.  The 
reader's  attention  will  be  first  called  to  construction  and  ven- 
tilation of  the  stable. 

Situation  is  very  important ;  yet  in  crowded  cities  the  stable- 
keepers  have  but  little  choice.  An  elevated  spot  should  be 
selected,  if  possible  ;  low,  damp,  or  marshy  ground  is  very 
prejudicial  to  the  comfort  and  health  of  the  horse  ;  all  low 
situations  are  apt  to  exhale  gases  that  are  more  or  less 
destructive.  A  moist,  chilly  air  will  engender  rheumatism, 
stiffness  of  the  joints,  colds,  or  common  catarrh. 

Loftiness  is  very  essential  ;  it  prevents  injury  of  the  poll, 
called  poll  evil,  and  provides  for  a  larger  supply  of  pure  air  for 
the  support  of  respiration. 

In  all  cases  it  is  necessary  to  have  the  ceiling  tight ;  it 
keeps  the  bad  atmosphere  of  a  close  stable  from  injuring  the 
hay  :  by  neglecting  this  precaution  the  food  is  rendered  highly 
injurious  and  unwholesome. 

The  size  of  the  stable  must  vary  according  to  the  number 
of  horses  it  is  intended  to  contain.  The  stalls  should  be  six 
feet  wide,  so  as  to  allow  the  horse  to  lie  down,  and  nine  feet 


ON    STABLE    MANAGEMENT.  75 

in  length,  with  a  declivity  of  one  or  two  inches,  so  as  to 
allow  the  urine  to  run  off.  Too  many  should  not  be  kept  in 
the  same  apartment  :  not  only  is  the  air  thereby  vitiated,  but 
the  rest  and  sleep,  so  necessary  to  invigorate  the  animal,  are 
thus  prevented  or  disturbed.  Some  horses  will  not  lie  down  ; 
in  fact,  there  is  not  room  for  them  to  do  so  in  many  stables. 
Some  men  actually  believe  that  a  horse  is  as  insensible  as  a 
stone,  and  that  any  thing  is  good  enough  for  him  ;  that  he  is 
not  entitled  to  any  consideration  or  mercy  ;  and  he  stands  in 
a  narrow-contracted,  filthy  stall,  until  the  muscles  and  liga- 
ments around  the  joints  become  so  stiff  and  callous,  that  the 
poor  brute  is  unable  to  rest  his  weary  limbs.  Some  horses 
will  not  sleep,  or  lie  down,  unless  perfectly  at  their  ease  j 
hence  the  frequent  entrance  of  stablemen  and  other  persons, 
with  lights,  must  be  a  great  disturbance  to  horses  that  are 
fatigued  and  irritable. 

A  large  manger  will  be  preferable  to  the  rack  ;  it  will  pre- 
vent the  hay  seeds  and  dust  from  falling  on  the  head,  to  the 
frequent  injury  of  the  eyes.  The  length  of  the  halter  should 
be  sufficient  to  allow  the  animal  to  lie  down. 

The  floors  of  stalls  are  made  of  various  materials  :  hard 
pine  planks  are  the  best,  as  they  preserve  an  equal  tempera- 
ture. A  small  quantity  of  dry  straw  is  absolutely  necessary, 
as  it  prevents  many  diseases  of  the  feet ;  but  the  feet  need  not 
sink  so  deep  in  it  that  their  temperature  should  be  affected. 

On  Ventilation  and  the  Admission  of  Light  into  the  Stable. 
—  In  a  close  stable  the  air  is  not  only  hot,  but  loaded  with 
impurities  ;  the  breath  of  the  animal  corrupts  it,  and  renders 
it  unwholesome.  The  author  has  often  visited  stables  early 
in  the  morning,  and  found  the  atmosphere  very  oppressive, 
and  the  smell  intolerable.  From  this  hotbed  of  corruption 
the  animals  were  brought  forth  to  their  daily  work  :  the  natu- 
ral consequence  of  such  sudden  transitions  must  sooner  or 
later  be  disease.  The  effluvia  of  animal  bodies  are  constantly 
running  into  a  putrefactive  state,  and  this  must  point  out  very 
forcibly  the  necessity  of  a  proper  ventilation  in  stables,  espe- 
cially when  it  is  considered  that  the  dung  and  urine  add  to 


76  ON    STABLE    MANAGEMENT. 

the  evil.  Stables  that  are  kept  hot,  and  not  sufficiently  ven- 
tilated, are  always  damp.  This  arises  from  the  breath  and 
vapor  of  the  horse's  body  becoming  condensed.  When  the 
moisture  has  remained  for  a  certain  length  of  time,  it  acquires 
an  unpleasant  smell,  which  must  be  peculiarly  offensive  to 
an  animal  destined,  in  a  state  of  nature,  to  be  surrounded 
with  pure  and  wholesome  air.  In  a  state  of  health,  a  certain 
evaporation  from  the  surface  of  the  body  is  constantly  going 
on  :  this  is  called  insensible  perspiration;  it  unloads  the  vessels 
of  the  skin,  invigorates  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and 
gives  tone  and  health  to  the  whole  animal  ;  hence  the  neces- 
sity of  attending  to  the  proper  means  of  ventilation  in  the 
construction  of  stables  must  be  sufficiently  evident. 

The  best  mode  of  ventilation  is  to  have  a  tube,  which  may 
be  constructed  of  four  boards  nailed  together,  so  as  to  form  a 
hollow  box  :  this  is  carried  from  the  centre  of  the  ceiling 
through  the  roof;  a  small  ventilator  may  then  be  placed  on  it 
above  the  roof;  or  a  more  simple  and  less  expensive  method 
is,  to  furnish  the  tops  with  slanting  caps,  leaving  sufficient 
space  for  the  hot  air  to  pass  off :  this  will  prevent  the  rain 
passing  into  the  stable. 

On  the  Admission  of  Light.  — Nothing  is  so  detrimental  to 
the  eyes  as  sudden  transitions  from  darkness  to  a  glaring  light ; 
and  yet  this  is  heedlessly  disregarded.  Many  of  our  city  stables 
burn  lamps  during  the  day,  (probably  preferring  darkness  to 
light.)  It  is  well  known,  and  most  persons  have  experienced 
the  very  unpleasant  sensation  of  a  mingled  pain  and  giddi- 
ness, which  is  not  readily  dismissed,  after  emerging  from  a 
dark  room  or  passage,  and  suddenly  coming  in  contact  with 
the  light.  Daily  repetitions  of  this  would  gradually  injure 
the  eyesight,  and  probably  blindness  would  be  the  result. 
On  the  other  hand,  too  much  light  is  equally  injurious.  The 
windows  should  be  sashed  so  as  to  draw  down  from  the  top ; 
and  when  the  horse  is  at  work,  both  these  and  the  doors  should 
be  open. 

The  brush  and  currycomb  are  highly  necessary  for  horses 
kept  in  stables.     Good  rubbing  promotes  circulation  of  the 


ON  THE  ILL  EFFECTS  OF  MANURES.  77 

blood,  determines  morbific  matter  to  the  surface,  relieves  con- 
gestions, and  is  a  substitute  for  exercise.  Without  a  clean 
skin  no  horse  can  be  expected  to  have  a  fine  coat. 

In  fair  weather  the  horse  should  be  cleaned  in  the  open 
air,  and  not  in  the  stable  ;  a  brush,  or  a  wisp  of  straw,  is  the 
most  beneficial  and  effective.  The  currycomb,  when  im- 
moderately used,  is  decidedly  injurious. 

Neatness  is  always  requisite  in  stables,  and  in  that  case  the 
appearance  is  more  healthy  and  comfortable.  Every  article 
should  be  hung  or  laid  in  its  proper  place. 

We  cannot  close  this  subject  without  referring  to  the  evil 
practice  of  allowing  the  manure  to  accumulate  under  the 
stable  floor  :  how  long  this  practice  will  be  continued  remains 
to  be  seen.  The  subject  of  ventilation  is  but  just  in  its 
infancy;  many  have  yet  to  learn,  that  the  very  existence  of 
their  animals  depends  on  a  proper  supply  of  pure,  uncontami- 
nated  atmospheric  air  :  when  they  are  convinced  of  this 
fact,  and  not  till  then,  do  we  expect  a  reformation.  The 
litter  and  dung  should  be  removed  into  the  open  air;  nothing 
is  lost  by  taking  away  that  which  is  bad  or  unwholesome. 


ON  THE  ILL  EFFECTS  OF  MANURES 

OF  LARGE   CITIES   ON   THE   QUALITIES   OF  PLANTS. 

Dr.  Whitlaw  observes,  "  Among  the  fertilizers  of  the  soil, 
high  importance  is  attached,  and  deservedly,  to  that  mass  of 
matter  which  results  from  the  process  of  putrefaction  upon 
organic  substances  undergoing  corruption  after  death.  By 
reason  of  its  efficacy,  it  is  assiduously  procured  to  fertilize 
poor  soils,  to  renovate  exhausted  ones,  and  prevent  good  ones 
from  wearing  out.  Animal  manures  have  a  peculiar  rankness  ; 
some  of  them  stimulate,  or,  it  may  almost  be  said,  cauterize 
with  vehemence.  Hence  they  require  admixture  of  milder 
materials  to  mitigate   their  force.     Yet  after   this   offal   and 


78  ON  THE  ILL  EFFECTS  OF  MANURES. 

scrapings  of  large  cities  have  been  mingled  with  soil,  in  such 
proportion  as  not  to  destroy  the  life  of  the  plants,  but  to  pro- 
mote their  vegetation,  they  have  been  considered  as  commu- 
nicating, in  many  cases,  a  disgusting  or  offensive  quality  to 
some  of  the  vegetables  they  nourish.  They  have  been 
charged  with  imparting  a  biting  and  acrimonious  taste  to 
radishes  and  turnips.  Potatoes  have  been  observed  to  borrow 
the  foul  taint  of  the  ground."  This  may  readily  account  for 
the  disease  found  in  the  potato.  That  the  potato,  in  several 
sections  of  the  United  States,  is  fast  degenerating,  every  one 
will  admit ;  and  they  will  continue  to  do  so  just  so  long  as 
the  farmer  uses  animal  manure,  and  suffers  rank  and  poisonous 
weeds  to  vegetate  on  his  lands. 

Millers  observe  a  strong,  disagreeable  odor  in  the  meal  of 
wheat  that  grew  upon  land  highly  charged  with  rotten  recre- 
ments of  cities  ;  the  like  deterioration  of  quality  has  been 
remarked  in  tobacco  raised  in  cow-pens.  And  stable  dung 
has  been  accused  of  imparting  a  disagreeable  flavor  to  aspara- 
gus. It  seems  that  some  portion  of  the  foul  matter  of 
manure  is  absorbed  by  the  radicles  of  vegetables,  and,  after 
passing  unassimilated  through  the  sap-vessels,  is  commu- 
nicated by  the  process  of  nutrition  to  living  substances. 
This  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  when  we  know  that  the  prin- 
cipal constituents  of  animal  and  vegetable  life  are  nearly  the 
same  ;  or  the  different  compounds  are  all  produced  by  the 
same  elementary  principles.  Vegetables  consist  of  carbon, 
hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  and  the  same  substances,  with  the 
addition  of  nitrogen,  are  the  principal  constituents  of  the 
most  important  compounds  found  in  the  animal  creation. 
"It  maybe  illustrated  in  the  animal  kingdom.  Ducks  are 
rendered  so  ill  tasted,  from  stuffing  down  garbage,  as  some- 
times to  be  offensive  when  brought  as  food  to  the  table  ; 
the  quality  of  pork  is  known  to  be  modified  by  the  food  of 
the  swine  ;  the  bitterness  of  partridges  has  been  ascribed  to 
the  buds  on  which  they  live  ;  and  the  peculiar  flavor  of 
piscivorous  fowl  is  rationally  traced  to  the  fish  they  devour. 
Thus  a  portion  of  nutrimental  matter  passes  into  the  living 


ON  THE  ILL  EFFECTS  OF  MANURES.  79 

bodies  of  plants  and  animals,  in  certain  proportions,  without 
having  been  entirely  subdued  or  assimilated.  It  becomes, 
therefore,  a  subject  of  curious  and  important  reflection.  The 
horticulturist  mostly  calculates  on  the  quantity  of  his  crops. 
It  is,  however,  a  becoming  subject  of  research,  that  he  should 
likewise  attend  more  to  the  quality;  or,  perhaps,  the  con- 
sumer may  inform  him  that  an  offended  palate,  and  injured 
health,  will  induce  a  careful  provider  to  seek  uncontaminated 
articles  for  his  table." 

Dr.  Whitlaw  continues  :  "I  have  labored  with  the  most 
unwearied  zeal  to  point  out  to  agriculturists  the  evil  effects 
of  the  corrupted  soil  arising  from  improper  manure,  in  pro- 
ducing diseased  crops ;  and,  consequently,  diseasing  animals 
and  man  fed  on  them  likewise.  I  have  urged  my  belief  that 
even  the  most  wholesome  vegetables  are  changed  by  rank 
manures,  so  as  to  cause  many  diseases." 

I  hope  the  horticulturists  and  agriculturists  in  •America 
will  profit  by  the  doctor's  advice  and  prevent,  not  only 
noxious,  but  likewise  wholesome,  vegetables  from  imbibing 
poisonous  qualities,  corrupted  by  bad  manures,  and  more  par- 
ticularly as  the  heat  of  that  climate  renders  poisonous  plants 
much  more  active  than  in  England  ;  otherwise  they  will  soon 
exceed  the  latter  in  respect  to  diseases,  at  least  in  dyspepsia,  with 
its  long  train  of  awful  attendants.  "  Putrid  animal  matter  is 
offensive  to  many  animals.  Dr.  Rudge  says  that  there  was 
an  enclosure,  near  Arlington,  close  to  which  was  a  dog  ken- 
nel. Eight  cows  out  of  twenty  miscarried,  in  consequence 
of  frequent  exposure  to  flesh,  and  the  skinning  of  dead  horses, 
so  near  them.  The  remainder  were  removed  to  a  distant 
pasture,  and  did  well.  Most  veterinary  writers  recommend 
that  when  a  cow  has  aborted,  the  foetus  and  afterbirth 
should  be  buried  deep  and  away  from  the  pastures.  Sad 
experience  has  taught  them,  that  putrid  animal  matter  is  as 
destructive  as  the  pestilential  sword.  The  smell  of  any  putrid 
substance  will  cause  sheep  to  miscarry." 

Let  our  landowners  and  farmers  appropriate  the  best  calcu- 
lated situations  for  raising  gram,  clover,  and  grass  seed  of  the 


80  ON    ANIMAL    MATTER. 

most  approved  kind,  in  order  to  supply  the  cattle-growing 
interest.  These  should  have  their  lands  well  cleaned  by- 
cropping,  and  well  prepared  for  laying  them  down  into  pas- 
ture. All  the  manure  that  is  to  be  put  on  the  land  should, 
the  year  previous,  be  made  into  compost  with  lime  and  other 
earth,  well  mixed  by  turning  it  over  two  or  three  times  in 
summer ;  by  this  means  all  the  insects,  seeds,  and  roots  in 
the  manure  will  be  destroyed  by  the  lime.  This  plan  will 
insure  a  good  crop  of  grain  and  grass,  adequate  to  the  expense 
of  the  manure.  The  ditches  should  be  cleaned,  and  the  dirt 
laid  in  heaps  ;  both  the  common  and  rich  earths  made  from 
the  decayed  leaves,  should  be  prepared  to  mix  with  the  manure 
and  lime.  In  cases  where  the  soil  is  light,  lime,  chalk,  and 
marl  are  the  best  manure.  In  clay  soils,  sand  and  carbona- 
ceous earths  are  proper.  The  land  should  be  ploughed  deep, 
so  that  the  soil  that  has  been  subject  to  cultivation  should  be 
turned  down  to  rest  and  recrystallize.  Upon  this  principle, 
the  people  would  be  living  upon  provisions  raised  from  virgin 
earth,  which  would  indeed  be  a  blessing  to  them ;  for  then 
there  would  be  few  diseases,  and  the  farmer  would  contribute 
to  the  wealth  of  the  country.  Paring  and  burning  are  good 
methods  of  getting  the  fields  cleared  of  buttercups,  poppies, 
dandelions,  and  other  noxious  plants,  whose  roots  do  not  run 
deep  into  the  soil.  The  flavor  of  all  grains,  fruits,  and  vege- 
tables are  much  improved  by  being  manured  with  burnt  earth 
and  vegetable  ashes. 


ON  ANIMAL  MATTER. 

All  bodies  endowed  with  life,  and  with  spontaneous  mo- 
tion, are  called  animals.  These  are  all  capable  of  reproducing 
their  like  in  life.  Some,  by  the  union  of  the  two  sexes,  pro- 
duce small  living  creatures  ;  others  lay  eggs,  which  require 
a  due  temperature  to  produce  young  ;    some  multiply  without 


ON    ANIMAL    MATTER.  81 

conjunction. of  sexes  ;  and  others  are  reproduced  when  cut  in 
pieces,  like  the  roots  of  plants. 

All  animals  are  fed  on  vegetables,  either  directly  or  by  the 
intervention  of  other  animals. 

As  the  animal,  then,  is  derived  from  the  vegetable  matter, 
we  find,  accordingly,  that  the  former  is  capable  of  being  re- 
solved into  the  same  principle  as  those  of  the  latter.  Thus, 
by  repeated  distillations,  we  obtain  from  animal  substances 
water,  oil,  air,  and  easily  destructible  salt  and  charcoal.  These 
secondary  principles  are,  by  further  processes,  at  length  reso- 
luble into  the  same  proximate  principles  which  we  find  in 
vegetables,  viz.,  air,  earth,  and  water,  and  the  principle  of 
inflammability. 

But  though  the  principles  of  vegetable  and  animal  substan- 
ces are  fundamentally  the  same,  yet  these  principles  are  com- 
bined in  a  different  manner.     It  is  exceeding  rare  that  animal 
substances  are  capable  of  the  vinous  or  acetous  fermentation; 
and  the  putrefactive,  into  which  they  run  remarkably  fast,  is 
also  different  in  some   particulars  from   the  putrefaction  of 
vegetables.     The  smell  is  much  more  offensive  in  the  putre- 
faction of  animal  than  of  vegetable  substances.     The  putre- 
faction of  urine,  is,  indeed,  accompanied  with  a  peculiar  fetor, 
by  no  means  so  intolerable  as  that  of  other  animal  matters  ; 
this   is    probably    owing    to    the    pungency  of    the    volatile 
alkali,  and  also  to  the  urine  containing  less  inflammatory  mat- 
ter  than  the  blood  and  other  fluids.     When  analyzed  by  a 
destructive  heat,  animals  afford   products  very  different   from 
those  of  vegetables  ;  the  oil  has  a  particular  and  much  more 
fetid  odor,  and  the  volatile  salt,  instead   of    being  an  acid, 
found  as  it  is  in  most  vegetables,  is  found  in  animals  to  be  a 
volatile  alkali. 

Chemists  have  spoken  of  an  acid  procurable  from  animal 
substances,  and,  indeed,  certain  parts  of  animal  bodies  are 
found  to  yield  a  salt  of  this  kind  ;  but  it  by  no  means  is  the 
case  with  animal  substances  in  general.  In  some  animals  an 
acid  exists  uncombined  and  ready  formed  in  their  bodies. 
This  is  particularly  manifest  in  some  insects,  especially  ants, 


82  ON    ANIMAL    MATTER. 

from  which  an  acid  has  been  procured  by  boiling  them  in 
water. 

The  solid  parts  of  animal  bodies,  as  the  muscles,  tegu- 
ments, tendons,  cartilages,  and  even  the  bones,  when  boiled 
in  water,  give  a  gelatinous  matter,  or  glue,  resembling  the 
vegetable  gums,  but  much  more  adhesive.  We  must  how- 
ever, except  the  hair.  The  acids,  the  alkalies,  and  quick- 
lime are  found  to  be  powerful  solvents  of  animal  matter.  It 
is  from  the  solids  that  the  greatest  quantity  of  volatile  alkali 
is  obtained  ;  it  arises  along  with  a  very  fetid  empyreumatic  oil, 
from  which  it  is  in  some  measure  separated  by  repeated  recti- 
fications. This  salt  is  partly  in  a  fluid,  and  partly  in  a  solid 
state  ;  and  from  its  having  been  formerly  prepared  in  the 
greatest  quantity  from  the  horns  of  the  stag,  it  has  been 
called  salt  or  spirits  of  hartshorn.  Volatile  alkali  may  be 
procured  from  many  animals,  and  from  almost  every  part, 
except  the  fat.  Though  we  are  sometimes  able  to  procure 
the  fixed  alkali  from  animal  fat  burnt  to  a  cinder,  yet  it  is 
probable  that  this  salt  did  not  make  any  part  of  the  living 
animal,  but  rather  proceeded  from  the  introduction  of  saline 
matter,  incapable  of  being  assimilated  by  the  functions  of 
the  living  creature. 

In  speaking  of  the  fluid  parts  of  animals,  we  should  first 
examine  the  general  fluid,  from  whence  the  rest  are  secreted. 
The  blood,  which,  at  first  sight,  appears  to  be  a  homogeneous 
fluid,  is  composed  of  several  parts,  easily  separable  from  each 
other,  and  which  the  microscope  can  even  perceive  in  its 
uncoagulated  state.  On  allowing  it  to  stand  at  rest,  and  be 
exposed  to  the  air,  it  is  separated  into  what  are  called  the  cras- 
samentum  and  the  serum.  The  crassamentum  consists  chiefly 
of  the  red  globules,  joined  together  by  another  substance, 
called  the  coagulable  lymph.  The  serum  is  a  yellowish 
fluid,  having  little  sensible  taste  or  smell  ;  »at  the  heat  of  160° 
Fahrenheit's  thermometer,  it  is  converted  into  a  jelly.  This 
coagulation  of  the  serum  is  also  owing  to  its  containing  a 
matter  of  the  same  nature  with  that  of  the  crassamentum, 
viz..    the    coagulable    lymph  :    whatever,    then,    coagulates 


ON    ANIMAL    MATTER.  83 

animal  blood,  produces  that  effect  on  this  concrescible  part. 
Several  causes,  and  many  different,  are  capable  of  effecting 
this  coagulation  j  such  as  contact  of  air,  heat,  alcohol,  earth, 
alum,  and  some  of  the  metallic  salts.  The  more  perfect 
neutral  salts  are  found  to  prevent  coagulation,  such  as  com- 
mon salt  and  nitre. 

Of  the  fluids  secreted  from  the  blood,  there  a  great  variety 
in  men  and  other  animals. 

The  excrementitious  and  redundant  fluids  are  those  which 
afford,  in  general,  the  greatest  quantity  of  volatile  alkali,  and 
empyreumatic  oil.  There  are,  also,  some  of  the  secreted 
fluids  which,  on  a  chemical  analysis,  yield  products  in  some 
degree  peculiar  to  themselves.  Of  this  kind  is  the  urine, 
which  is  found  to  contain  phosphoric  acid  and  volatile  alkali.' 
The  fat,  too,  has  been  said  to  differ  from  other  animal  mat- 
ters in  yielding,  by  distillation,  a  strong  acid,  but  no  volatile 
alkali.  There  is  also  much  variety  and  state  of  the  combi- 
nations of  the  saline  and  other  matters,  in  different  secreted 
fluids. 

Animal  oils  and  fats,  like  the  gross  oils  of  vegetables,  are 
not  soluble  in  water,  but  may  be  united  with  water  by  the 
intervention  of  gum  or  mucilage. 

Most  of  them  may  be  changed  into  soap  by  fixed  alkaline 
salts,  and  may  thus  be  rendered  mixible  with  both  spirit 
and  water. 

The  odorous  matter  of  some  odoriferous  animal  substances, 
as  musk,  civet,  castor,  is,  as  well  as  essential  oil,  soluble  in 
spirit  of  wine,  and  volatile  in  the  heat  of  boiling  water. 

It  is  said  that  an  actual  essential  oil  has  been  obtained  from 
castor  in  a  very  small  quantity,  but  of  an  exceedingly  strong, 
diffusive  smell.  The  blistering  matter  of  cantharides,  and 
those  parts  of  sundry  animal  substances  in  which  their  pecu- 
liar taste  resides,  are  dissolved  by  rectified  spirit,  and  seem  to 
have  some  analogy  with  gummy  resins. 

The  gelatinous  principle  of  animals,  like  the  gum  of  vege- 
tables, dissolves  in  water,  but  not  in  spirit  or  in  oils  j  like 
gums,  also,  it  renders  oils  and  fats  mixible  with  water  into  a 


84  ON    ANIMAL    MATTER. 

milky  color.  Some  insects,  particularly  the  ant,  are  found  to 
contain  an  acid  juice,  which  approaches  nearly  to  the  nature 
of  vegetable  acid.  There  are,  however,  sundry  animal  juices 
which  differ  greatly,  even  in  these  kinds  of  properties,  from 
the  corresponding  ones  of  vegetables.  Thus  animal  serum, 
which  appears  analogous  to  vegetable,  gummy  juices,  has  this 
remarkable  difference,  that  though  it  mingles  uniformly  with 
cold  or  warm  water,  yet,  on  heating  the  mixture,  the  animal 
matters  separate  from  the  watery  fluid,  and  concrete  into  a 
solid  mass. 

Some  have  been  of  opinion,  that  this  heat  of  the  animal 
body,  in  certain  diseases,  might  rise  to  such  a  degree  as  to 
produce  this  dangerous  concretion  of  the  serous  humors  ; 
yet  the  heat  requisite  for  this  effect  is  greater  than  the  sys- 
tem seems  capable  of  sustaining.  The  soft  and  fluid  parts  of 
animals  run  quickly  into  putrefaction  ;  at  least,  much  quicker 
than  vegetable  matter,  and  when  corrupted,  prove  more  offen- 
sive. This  process  takes  place,  in  some  degree,  in  the  bodies 
of  living  animals  ;  as  often  as  the  juices  stagnate  long,  or  are 
prevented  by  an  obstruction  of  the  natural  outlets  from  throw- 
ing off  the  more  volatile  and  corruptible  parts.  During 
putrefaction  a  quantity  of  air  is  generated,  all  the  humors 
become  gradually  thinner,  and  the  fibrous  parts  more  lax  and 
tender  ;  hence  the  distention  which  succeeds  the  induration 
of  any  of  the  viscera,  or  the  imprudent  suppression  of  dysen- 
teries by  astringents.  The  crassamentum  of  human  blood, 
as  well  as  that  of  quadrupeds,  changes,  by  putrefaction,  into  a 
dark  livid  color,  a  few  drops  of  which  tinge  the  serum  with 
a  tawny  hue,  like  the  ichor  of  sores  and  dysenteric  fluxes ; 
as  also  the  white  of  the  eye,  the  saliva,  the  serum  of  blood 
drawn  from  a  vein,  &c.  The  putrid  crassamentum  changes 
a  large  quantity  of  recent  urine  to  a  flame-colored  water,  so 
common  in  diseases  where  febrile  symptoms  are  present. 
The  mixture,  after  standing  an  hour  or  two,  gathers  a  cloud 
resembling  what  is  seen  in  the  crude  water  of  acute  distem- 
pers, with  some  oily  matter  on  the  surface,  like  the  scum 
which  floats   on  scorbutic  urine.     The  serum  of  the  blood 


ON    ANIMAL    MATTER.  85 

deposits,  in  putrefaction,  a  sediment  resembling  well-digested 
pus,  and  changes  to  a  faint  olive-green.  A  serum  so  far 
putrefied  as  to  become  green,  is  frequently  to  be  found  in 
parts  that  are  bruised,  and  in  gangrene.  In  dead  bodies  this 
serum  is  to  be  distinguished  by  the  green  color  the  flesh 
acquires  in  corrupting.  In  salted  meat,  this  is  commonly 
ascribed  to  the  brine,  but  erroneously  ;  for  it  is  known  to 
resist  putrefaction.  It  has  no  power  of  giving  this  color,  but 
only  of  qualifying  the  taste,  and  in  some  degree,  the  ill  effects 
of  corrupted  aliments.  In  foul  ulcers,  or  in  other  sores 
where  the  serum  is  exposed,  the  matter  is  likewise  found  of 
this  color,  and  is  then  always  acrimonious.  The  putrefac- 
tion of  animal  substances  is  prevented,  or  retarded,  by  most 
saline  matters ;  even  by  the  fixed  and  volatile  alkaline  salts, 
which  have  often  been  supposed  to  produce  a  contrary  effect. 
Of  all  the  salts  that  have  been  tried,  sea  salt  seems  to  resist 
putrefaction  the  least  ;  in  small  quantities  it  even  accelerates 
the  process.  The  vegetable  bitters,  such  as  balmony,  gen- 
tian, &c,  charcoal,  cayenne,  gum  myrrh,  &c.,  are  among  the 
best  antiseptics,  not  only  for  preserving  the  flesh  long  uncor- 
rupted,  but  likewise  correcting  it,  in  a  measure,  when  putrid. 
It  has  been  found,  that  when  animal  flesh  in  substance  is 
beaten  up  with  bread,  or  other  farinaceous  vegetables,  and  a 
proper  quantity  of  water,  into  the  consistence  of  paste,  this 
mixture,  kept  in  a  heat  equal  to  that  of  the  human  body, 
grows  in  a  little  time  sour  ;  while  the  vegetable  matters,  with- 
out the  flesh,  suffer  no  change.  Some  few  vegetables,  in  the 
resolution  of  them  by  fire,  discover  some  agreement  in  their 
matter  with  bodies  of  the  animal  kingdom  ;  yielding  a  vola- 
tile alkaline  salt  in  considerable  quantity,  with  little  or 
nothing  of  the  acid  of  fixed  alkali,  which  the  generality  of 
vegetables  afford. 


86  ON    BREEDING. 


ON  BREEDING. 


The  choice  of  a  sire  and  dam  is  a  point  of  the  utmost 
consequence  in  breeding  horses,  (or  indeed  any  other  animal,) 
as  the  offspring  will  be  found,  in  almost  every  instance,  to 
inherit  the  qualities  of  its  parents  :  peculiarity  of  form  and 
constitution  is  inherent,  and  descends  from  generation  to 
generation.  Hence  the  necessary  attention  to  those  niceties 
which  breeders  are  often  apt  to  forget.  Nor  is  it  sufficient 
that  one  of  the  parents  be  good,  and  the  other  indifferent  ; 
for  the  perfection  of  the  sire  may  be  lost  through  the  defi- 
ciencies of  the  mare,  and  vice  versa. 

In  the  selection  of  a  stallion,  many  things  should  be  ob- 
served. There  should  be  general  uniformity  and  compactness 
in  every  part.  The  height  should  depend  on  the  occupation 
the  foal  is  destined  to  fill.  The  legs  should  be  particularly 
examined,  and  disease  should  pervade  no  part  of  the  system. 
Fat,  heavy  horses,  with  thick  legs,  and  coarse,  unseemly  heads, 
should  always  be  avoided.  Horses  should  be  free  from  specks 
on  the  eye  — partial  or  total  blindness.  Temper  is  an  essen- 
tial point,  for  vice  is  sometimes  hereditary.  Stallions  that 
cover  too  many  mares  in  a  season,  in  the  latter  period  produce 
weak  offspring. 

As  regards  the  mare,  it  is  well  known  that  the  dam  con- 
tributes more  to  production  of  the  offspring  than  the  sire. 
It  is  essential  that  she  be  in  full  possession  of  her  natural 
strength  and  powers  :  the  vigor  of  the  constitution  determines 
much  in  favor  of  the  foal.  It  is  a  great  error  to  suppose,  that 
a  mare  that  has  once  been  good,  and  capable  of  great  exer- 
tion, should,  when  old,  and  no  longer  fitted  for  work,  produce 
offspring  equally  efficient  as  when  in  her  prime  :  the  foal  will 
certainly  inherit  some  of  the  weakness  of  the  present  nature 
and  broken-down  constitution.  Mares  should  never  be  put 
to  the  stallion  until  they  have  arrived  at  maturity,  which 
takes  place  about  the  fifth  year.  Mares  will,  and  are  bred 
from,  earlier,  but  it  is  a  bad  practice,  for  strength  and  beauty 


ON    BREEDING.  87 

are  absent ;  and  thus  not  only  is  the  dam  rendered  inefficient 
sooner  than  in  one  that  is  allowed  to  come  to  maturity,  but 
the  foal  can  never  be  expected  to  be  either  healthy  or  strong 
in  constitution.  The  period  of  going  with  foal  is  eleven 
months:  after  the  sixth  month,  great  care  and  gentleness 
should  be  exercised  towards  them ;  moderate  exercise  is 
essential  ;  hard  work  in  harness,  over  bad  roads,  is  likely  to 
produce  abortion  ;  and  mares  that  have  once  aborted  are  very 
liable  (if  the  same  causes  are  in  operation)  to  a  recurrence 
of  the  same.     (See  Abortion,  part  second.) 

The  proper  time  for  copulation  is  when  there  is  a  discharge 
of  a  whitish  fluid  from  the  vagina.  She  neighs  frequently, 
and  exhibits  great  desire  for  the  horse  :  when  she  has  con- 
ceived, she  shows  no  further  desire,  and  the  discharge  from 
the  vagina  stops. 

Some  writers  recommend  the  mare  to  be  put  to  the  stal- 
lion early  after  foaling  :  this  is  improper,  for  the  simple  reason 
that  the  dam  has  to  nourish  two,  viz.,  the  foal  and  the  em- 
bryo :  this  is  excessively  weakening,  and  liable  to  injure  one 
or  the  other. 

Disproportionate  copulations  are  also  bad,  as  a  large  horse 
and  small  mare  :  the  size  of  the  horse  should  be  produced  by 
gentle  gradations,  and  this  is  evidently  a  better  way  to  arrive 
at  beauty  as  well  as  strength. 

The  best  mode  of  preserving  the  breed  and  making  im- 
provements, is  to  make  selections  of  the  best  on  both  sides. 
Much  judgment  and  circumspection  is  necessary  at  all  times 
in  crossing  the  breed  ;  and  many  errors  arise  in  consequence 
of  a  want  of  knowledge  in  the  breeders. 

When  the  period  of  foaling  draws  nigh,  the  mare  should 
be  separated  from  other  horses.  Having  foaled,  turn  her  into 
a  fine  pasture,  where  there  is  a  barn.  The  foal  may  be 
weaned  at  six  months.  If  the  foal  dies,  or  is  taken  away 
from  the  dam,  humanity  would  suggest  the  propriety  of  a  few 
weeks'  rest,  to  enable  the  animal  to  recover  from  the  effects  of 
parturition. 


88  REMARKS    ON   BLOODLETTING. 


REMARKS  ON  BLOODLETTING. 

In  justice  to  the  veterinary  surgeons  of  this  country,  the 
author  would  inform  the  reader  that  professional  bleeding  is 
very  rarely  resorted  to.  To  bleed  a  horse  in  the  present 
enlightened  age,  when  he  is  in  a  state  of  plethora,  or  the 
blood  in  a  morbid  state,  would  be  bad  practice,  for  we  cannot 
purify  a  well  of  water  by  withdrawing  a  bucket ;  neither  can 
we  purify  the  whole  mass  of  blood  by  abstracting  a  portion. 
The  author  has  seen  several  cases  where  the  poor  animal 
(a  victim  to  science)  had  been  so  far  and  fatally  drained  of  the 
living  principle,  that  there  was  not  sufficient  blood  left  in  the 
system  to  produce  reaction.  We  have  profited  by  the  fatal 
errors  that  have  been  committed  under  our  own  observation, 
and  have  never  drawn  a  drop  of  blood  from  a  horse,  (except 
in  surgical  operations,  when  it  could  not  be  avoided,)  neither 
vnll  we  ever,  under  any  circumstances,  resort  to  the  lancet ;  for 
we  are  convinced  that  bloodletting  is  a  powerful  depresser  of 
the  vital  powers. 

Blood  is  the  fuel  that  keeps  the  lamp  of  life  burning :  if 
the  fuel  is  withdrawn,  the  lamp  is  extinguished;  hence,  if 
"  life  is  the  sum  of  the  powers  that  resist  disease,"  then 
whatever  enfeebles  life  must  produce  disease  and.  death. 

An  eminent  physician  has  said,  that  "  after  the  practice 
of  bloodletting  was  introduced  by  Sydenham,  during  the 
course  of  one  hundred  years,  more  died  of  the  lancet  alone 
than  those  who  in  the  same  time  perished  by  war.'' 

Dr.  Hunter  says,  in  relation  to  the  human  being,  —  and 
the  same  applies  to  the  brute,  —  that  "bloodletting  is  one  of 
the  greatest  weakeners,  as  we  kill  thereby." 

Professor  Lobstein  says,  "  So  far  from  bloodletting  being 
beneficial,  it  is  productive  of  the  most  serious  consequences  — 
a  cruel  practice,  and  a  scourge  to  humanity.  How  many 
thousands  are  sent  by  it  to  an  untimely  grave!  Without 
blood  there  is  no  heat,  no  motion  in  the  body."  For  more 
important   information,  see  Good's  Study  of  Medicine,  vol.  i. 


REMARKS    ON    BLOODLETTING.  93 

derived  from  the  blood."  If  the  latter  are  derived  from  the 
blood,  (and  we  know  it  is  so,)  then  what  inconsistency  there 
is  in  medical  authors  to  recommend  bloodletting,  with  a  view 
of  improving  the  strength  and  spirit,  when  they  are  depriving 
the  system  of  that  on  which  the  very  life  of  the  animal 
depends. 

Our  readers  may  say,  horses  and  cattle  are  bled  and  get 
well.  Suppose  they  do,  — is  it  thus  proved  that  more  would 
not  get  well  if  no  blood  were  drawn  from  any  ?  If  the  ab- 
straction of  a  certain  number  of  gallons  of  blood  will  kill  a 
strong  horse,  then  the  abstraction  of  a  small  quantity  will 
injure  him  proportionally.  We  have  already  shown  that 
there  is  in  the  animal  economy  a  power  which  always  oper- 
ates in  favor  of  health  ;  if  the  provocation  is  gentle,  this 
power  may  overcome  both  it  and  the  disease,  and  the  animal 
is  considered  cured  merely  because  the  symptoms  that  marked 
the  character  of  the  malady  disappear.  The  appearance  of 
symptoms  of  another  order,  and  perhaps  not  so  alarming  in 
their  nature,  lead  men  to  suppose  they  have  performed  a  cure  ; 
when,  in  fact,  they  have  just  sown  the  seeds  of  a  future 
disease. 

We  do  not  propose  to  show  definitely  how  a  horse  gets 
well  in  spite  of  bloodletting.  It  is  enough  for  us  to  prove 
that  this  operation  always  tends  to  death,  which  can  easily 
be  done  by  conducting  the  process  till  no  blood  remains. 

In  cases  of  congestion,  or  a  determination  of  blood  to  a 
vital  organ,  we  find  a  want  of  action  on  the  surface  and  at 
the  extremities.  The  course  we  invariably  pursue  is  to  equal- 
ize the  circulation,  and  invite  the  blood  to  the  surface  by 
warmth,  moisture,  friction,  and  counter  irritants,  and  maintain 
it  there  by  the  administration  of  relaxants  and  diffusible 
stimulants.  These  latter  must  be  of  a  harmless  nature,  as 
we  find  them  compounded  in  the  forest  and  field,  by  the 
Great  Physician,  the  All-wise  Creator. 

Many  interesting  experiments  have  been  made  to  estimate 
the  quantity  of  blood  contained  in  an  animal.  "  The  weight 
of    a  dog,   says  Mr.    Percival,   being  ascertained   to   be    79 


94  REMARKS    ON    BLOODLETTING. 

pounds,  a  puncture  was  made  with  the  lancet  into  the  jugu- 
lar vein,  from  which  the  blood  was  collected.  The  vein 
having  ceased  to  bleed,  the  carotid  artery  of  the  same  side 
was  divided,  but  no  blood  came  from  it  j  in  a  few  seconds 
afterwards  the  animal  was  dead.  The  weight  of  the  carcass 
was  now  found  to  be  7'3|  pounds ;  consequently  it  had  sus- 
tained a  loss  of  5i  pounds,  precisely  the  measure  of  the  blood 
drawn.  It  appears  from  this  experiment,  that  an  animal  will 
lose  about  one  fifteenth  part  of  its  weight  of  blood  before  it 
dies  j  though  a  less  quantity  may  so  far  debilitate  the  vital 
powers,  as  to  be,  though  less  suddenly,  equally  fatal.  In  the 
human  subject,  the  quantity  of  blood  has  been  computed  at 
about  one  eighth  part  of  the  weight  of  the  body  ;  and  as 
such  an  opinion  has  been  broached  from  the  results  of  experi- 
ments on  quadrupeds,  we  may  fairly  take  that  to  be  about 
the  proportion  of  it  in  the  horse  ;  so  that  if  we  estimate  the 
weight  of  a  horse  to  be  1344  pounds,  the  whole  quantity  of 
blood  will  amount  to  84  quarts,  or  168  pounds ;  of  which 
about  45  quarts,  or  90  pounds,  will  commonly  flow  from  the 
jugular  vein  prior  to  death ;  though  the  loss  of  a  much  less 
quantity  will  deprive  the  animal  of  life.* 

"  It  is  well  known  that  young  animals  possess  more  blood 
than  old,  and  that  they  will,  perhaps  on  this  account,  sustain 
greater  bodily  injuries,  and  bear  larger  hemorrhages.  In  the 
latter,  when  the  body  is  gradually  decaying,  and  the  powers 
of  life  declining,  the  quantity  of  blood  becomes  reduced. 
Mr.  Wilson,  in  his  lectures  on  the  blood,  &c,  says  that  'fat 
animals  are  found  to  possess  less  blood  than  leaner  animals  ; 
and  tame  animals,  which  are  confined,  less  blood  than  wild 
ones.'  The  quantity  of  blood  contained  in  the  body  of  a 
man,  supposing  his  whole  weight  to  be  168  pounds,  may  be 
rated  at  21  pounds,  or  2  gallons,  2  quarts  and  1  pint.  Again, 
granting  that  a  dog  weighs  40  pounds,  the  amount  of  his  blood 
will  be  5  pints ;  hence  we  may  reckon  the  loss  of  a  pint  from 

#  The  author  of  Hinds's  Farriery  is  in  error  when  he  states  that  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty  quarts  are  calculated  to  reside  in  a  middling-sized  horse. 


ON    THE    THEORY    OF    HEALTH.  9o 

a  man  to  be  equivalent  to  that  of  a  gallon  from  a  horse,  or  to 
4  ounces  from  a  dog,  and  vice  versa ;  selecting  individuals 
from  each  class  at  about  the  respective  weights  here  set 
down."     (See  Percival's  Lectures,  p.  9,  vol.  i.) 


ON   THE   THEORY   OF   HEALTH,    DISEASE,     FEVER, 
AND  INFLAMMATION. 

The  Healthy  or  Physiological  State.  —  When  all  the  differ- 
ent tissues  and  organs  of  the  animal  are  sound,  unobstructed, 
and  unwearied,  —  when  the  living  principle  has  free  action 
through  each  and  every  one,  according  to  the  degree  that  it  is 
designed  to  sustain,  —  then  the  animal  is  in  health. 

Disease.  —  Any  injury  done  to  the  different  structures  of 
organs,  which  does  not  amount  to  the  total  destruction  of  its 
vitality,  —  or,  in  other  words,  the  inability  of  an  organ,  or 
organs,  to  perform  the  natural  functions,  is  termed  disease. 

Fever.  —  Fever  and  inflammation  are  one  and  the  same  thing. 
They  are  not  disease,  and  never  should  be  treated  as  such. 
It  is  the  accumulated  action  of  the  vital  system,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  warding  off  or  removing  the  causes  of  disease,  and 
restoring  the  healthy  action  of  the  organs. 

Let  us  suppose  a  horse  has  been  exercised :  there  is  a  deter- 
mination of  heat  and  fluids  to  the  surface,  the  pores  of  the 
skin  expand  :  now,  if  the  horse  is  put  into  the  stable,  or  the 
exercise  suddenly  ceases,  the  heat  escapes  too  fast,  and  leaves 
the  surface  cold.  For  want  of  heat  to  keep  them  open  and 
active,  the  pores  become  constricted,  so  that  after  the  organs 
of  circulation  become  rested  from  their  fatigue,  they  com- 
mence a  strong  action  again,  there  is  not  room  for  the  es- 
cape of  the  fluids  at  the  surface,  the  skin  becomes  dry  and 
harsh,  the  coat  stares,  and  the  animal  has,  in  common  par- 
lance, taken  cold,  and  it  has  thrown  him  into  a  fever.  Now, 
the  cold  is  the  real  enemy  to  be  overcome,  and  the  fever 
should  be  aided  by  warmth,  moisture,  friction,  and  diffusi- 


96  ON  THE  THEORY  OF  HEALTH, 

bles.  If  at  this  stage  the  cold  is  removed,  the  fever  will 
disappear;  but  if  the  disease  (the  cold)  has  been  allowed  to 
advance  until  a  general  derangement  or  sympathetic  action 
is  set  up,  and  there  is  an  accumulation  of  morbific  matter  in 
the  system,  then  the  restorative  process  must  be  more  power- 
ful and  energetic ;  constantly  bearing  in  mind  that  we  must 
assist  Nature  in  her  endeavors  to  throw  off  whatever  is  the 
cause  of  her  infirmities.  Instead  of  attacking  the  disease 
with  the  lancet,  and  poison,  —  which  is  on  the  principle  of 
killing  the  horse  to  cure  the  fever, — we  should  use  remedies 
that  are  favorable  to  life.  It  matters  not  what  organs  are 
affected ;  the  means  and  processes  are  the  same,  and  therefore 
the  division  of  inflammation  and  fever  into  a  great  number  of 
parts  designated  by  as  many  names,  and  indicated  by  twenty 
times  as  many  complications  of  symptoms  which  may  never 
be  present,  only  serve  to  bewilder  the  practitioner,  and  render 
his  practice  ineffectual,  or,  as  Dr.  Bigelow  calls  it  in  human 
practice,  "learned  quackery.1''  We  have  said,  fever  and 
inflammation  are  one  and  the  same  thing  ;  when  the  fever  is 
confined  to  a  small  space,  it  is  called  inflammation.  "  Inflam- 
mation is  rather  an  effort  of  nature  than  a  disease."  (Hunter, 
vol.  iv.  p.  293.) 

As  inflammation  is  an  action  produced  for  the  restoration  of 
the  most  simple  injury  in  sound  parts,  which  goes  beyond  the 
power  of  union  by  what  is  termed  first  intention,  we  must 
look  upon  it,  in  such  instances,  as  one  of  the  most  simple 
operations  in  nature.  Therefore  inflammation  in  itself  is  not 
to  be  considered  a  disease,  but  a  salutary  operation  consequent 
to  either  violence  or  disease.  (Ibid.  vol.  iv.  p.  285.)  Hence, 
when  men  cease  to  consider,  and  to  call  fever  and  inflammation 
"  diseased  action,"  they  will  begin  to  learn  to  heal  disease 
aright,  and  not  till  then. 

Dr.  White  writes  thus:  "Though  horses  and  other  domes- 
tic animals  are  liable  to  fever,  there  is  not  that  variety  in  the 
disease,  nor  is  it  by  any  means  so  intricate  as  it  is  in  the  human 
subject.  Some  practitioners  do  not  admit  the  existence  of  fever 
in  the  horse,  as  a  primary  disorder,  but  consider  it  as  symp- 


DISEASE,    FEVER,    AND    INFLAMMATION.  97 

tomatic,  or  dependent  on  internal  disease."  Then  why  not 
attempt  to  cure  this  internal  disease,  and  let  the  fever  alone  ? 
The  same  author  remarks,  "  The  same  applies  to  cattle  ;  for 
it  is  of  very  little  importance  whether  we  call  it  fever  or 
inflammation."  It  is  clearly  evident  that  there  is  but  one  cause 
of  fever,  viz.,  the  natural  motive  power  of  the  system,  and 
but  one  fever  itself,  viz.,  accumulated  vital  action  ;  yet  the 
causes  of  disease  are  numerous,  and  many  a  tissue  to  be  ob- 
structed, and  if  the  disease  were  named  from  the  tissue  or 
organ,  as  nervous,  pulmonic,  &c,  it  would  have  as  many 
names  as  there  are  tissues  or  organs  to  be  affected ;  if  it  be 
named  from  the  symptoms,  it  would  be  numberless  and 
boundless.  But  of  what  use  is  it  to  decide  what  particular 
nerve,  blood-vessel,  or  muscle  is  contracted,  or  compressed, 
.eeing  that  the  proper  and  only  rational  treatment  consists  in 
icting  on  the  whole,  nerves,  tissues,  and  blood-vessels,  by 
elaxing  them,  and  equalizing  the  circulation  ?  But  suppose 
vve  do  ascertain  exactly  what  part  of  the  alimentary  canal  is 
contracted  in  a  given  case  of  constriction ;  what  advantage  is 
it  to  us  ?  Suppose  we  find  it  in  the  duodenum,  —  have  we  any 
specific  that  will  act  upon  it,  other  than  through  the  healthy 
operation  of  nature's  secreting  and  excreting  process  ?  There- 
fore the  symptoms  produced  by  medicines  ought  always  to 
be  those  of  health  :  hence  those  who  treat  disease  according 
to  the  principles  we  have  laid  down,  must  not  expect  to  see,  . 
in  the  progress  of  the  disease,  the  same  train  of  symptoms 
that  are  given  in  works  hitherto  published  on  veterinary 
practice. 

Suppose  two  cases  of  enteritis  (inflammation  of  the  bow- 
els) were  put  into  the  hands  of  two  different  men,  one  of  the 
physiological  school,  and  the  other  of  the  allopathic.  The 
latter  would,  if  he  practised  according  to  the  principles  taught 
by  the  professors  of  veterinary  surgery,  proceed  thus.  (See 
Youatt,  p.  208.)  "From  six  to  ten  quarts  of  blood  should 
be  taken  as  soon  as  possible,  and  the  bleeding  repeated  to  the 
extent  of  four  or  five  quarts  more,  if  the  pain  is  not  relieved. 
The  speedy  weakness  that  accompanies  this  disease  should  not 
13 


98  ON  THE  THEORY  OF  HEALTH, 

deter  from  bleeding  largely.  It  is  the  weakness  that  is  the 
consequence  of  violent  inflammation  of  these  parts,  and  if  that 
inflammation  be  subdued  by  the  loss  of  blood,  the  weakness 
will -disappear."  How  weakness  can  disappear  by  the  loss 
of  blood  we  are  at  a  loss  to  conceive.  All  men  agree  that 
the  abstraction  of  blood  will  produce  fainting,  and  coldness 
of  the  extremities.  Dr.  Hunter,  already  quoted,  says,  "  Blood- 
letting is  one  of  the  greatest  weakeners." 

"  Next,"  continues  the  author,  "  a  blister  should  be  resorted 
to.  The  tincture  of  Spanish  flies,  whether  made  with  spirits 
of  wine  or  turpentine,  should  be  well  rubbed  in."  It  is  a  well- 
known  fact  that  the  application,  and  final  absorption,  of  Span- 
ish flies  will  produce  strangury  in  its  worst  form :  aside  from 
this  it  is  an  acrid  animal  poison,  being  taken  up  by  the  absorb- 
ents, it  enters  the  circulation,  and  is  often  fatal  in  its  result. 

Now  for  the  physiological  practice.  "  The  extremities  are 
cold  ;  "  then  we  should  proceed  to  warm  them  by  hot  vapor, 
stimulating  liniments,  and  by  friction  with  the  brush  ;  the 
belly  should  be  fomented  with  flannels  wrung  out  in  warm 
water  :  this  process  will  relax  the  capillary  structure,  and 
equalize  the  circulation,  and  relieve  the  engorged  vessels  of 
the  intestines :  then  give  an  antispasmodic  drink.  (See 
Antispasmodic,  part  second.)  If  the  bowels  are  constipated,  the 
following  aperient  may  with  safety  be  ventured  on  :  Take 
half  a  pint  of  linseed  oil,  beat  up  in  it  the  yolk  of  two  eggs, 
and  administer  it  with  a  common  junk  bottle  ;  then  use  injec- 
tions. (See  Appendix.)  The  animal  is  usually  clothed  with  a 
blanket.  We  believe  it  is  the  duty  of  the  physician  to  aid 
nature  in  removing  from  the  animal  economy  all  the  causes 
of  disease.  We  therefore  adopt  the  most  efficient,  yet  inno- 
cent instruments  and  processes  of  cure,  and  totally  reject,  in 
all  cases  and  stages  of  the  treatment,  all  violence,  poisons,  and 
the  lancet.  If  bleeding  could  be  practised  with  impunity, 
such  assistance  might  be  proper  in  the  above  case  ;  but  as 
the  vital  force  (whose  diminution  is  the  proximate  cause  of 
enteritis)  is  itself  dependent  upon  the  blood,  increased  debil- 
ity is  the  necessary  consequence  of  its  abstraction.     Hence, 


DISEASE,    FEVER,    AND    INFLAMMATION.  99 

when  horses  are  bled,  their  convalescence  is  very  tedious. 
All  medical  men  agree  that  inflammation  is  favorable  to  the 
healing  process,  and  without  it  no  wound  could  be  healed. 
How,  then,  can  it  be  called  disease,  but  by  an  oversight  of  the 
vital  aid  which  it  gives  to  the  different  organs  ? 

Causes  of  Disease.  —  These  are  numerous.  Any  thing  that 
can  in  any  way  disable  an  organ  to  perform  its  proper  func- 
tion, is  a  direct  cause  of  disease.  There  are  other  causes,  as 
hereditary  taints,  sudden  changes  from  heat  to  cold,  over- 
exertion, and  want  of  proper  exercise.  Overfeeding  is  one 
of  the  principal  causes  of  disease  ;  the  bad  quality  of  the  hay 
or  oats,  bad  water,  and  inattention  to  ventilation  j  the  un- 
necessary dosing  with  improper  medicines. 

Poisons  —  Either  taken  into  the  alimentary  canal,  or  by 
absorption  through  the  external  surface,  or  the  lungs  ;  blood- 
letting, and  sluicing  cold  water  on  the  animal  after  active 
exercise. 

The  indications  of  cure  are  to  relax  spasm,  as  in  lockjaw, 
or  in  obstructed  surfaces,  constipation  of  the  bowels,  &c. ,' 
to  contract  and  strengthen  relaxed  and  weak  organs,  as  in 
general  debility,  diarrhoea,  scouring,  lampas,  &c.  ;  to  stimu- 
late inactive  organs  ;  to  remove  all  obstructions  to  the  free 
action  of  all  the  organs  j  to  equalize  the  circulation,  and 
distribute  the  blood  to  the  external  surface  and  extremities, 
as  in  congestions ;  to  furnish  the  animal  with  sufficient 
nutriment  to  build  up  the  waste,  and  prevent  friction. 

No  matter  what  be  the  nature  of  the  disease,  our  treatment 
is  always  conducted  on  these  principles. 

Dr.  Curtis  observes,  "All  the  fluids  of  the  system  are 
moved  through  it  by  the  alternate  contractions  and  relaxa- 
tions of  the  vessels  from  which  they  are  sent,  and  in  which 
they  are  transmitted  ;  thus  the  blood  is  thrown  by  these 
actions  of  the  heart  and  arteries,  and  returned  by  the  same 
movements.  The  chyle  is  absorbed  or  elaborated,  and  carried 
to  the  circulation  ;  and  the  lymph  is  taken  up  and  united 
with  it  by  the  alternate  contractions  and  relaxations  of  the 
fibres  which  compose  the  coats  of  the  tubes  through  which 


100  CONGESTION    OF    THE    BRAIN. 

they  pass.  All  the  voluntary  and  involuntary  motions  of  the 
body  are  performed  by  the  alternate  contractions  and  relaxa- 
tions of  the  fibres  ;  and  the  food  is  masticated,  swallowed, 
and  moved  through  the  system  by  the  same  process.  To 
relax,  to  contract,  to  stimulate,  and  to  furnish  the  system 
with  the  proper  materials  for  nutrition,  constitute  the  whole 
modus  operandi  of  the  medical  art." 

"  All  experience  has  proved  that  warmth  and  moisture  relax 
all  animal  fibre  ;  that  dry  heat  or  dry  cold  contracts  it ;  and 
that  some  medicines  do  one,  and  some  the  other ;  that  cer- 
tain articles  and  processes  stimulate  the  organs  to  high  action, 
and  that  nutritious  food  aids  them  in  building  up  the  wastes 
and  restoring  injuries.7' 

Congestion  of  the  Brain,  8fc.  —  In  diseases  bearing  a  prox- 
imity to  apoplexy,  they  manifest  themselves  in  different  forms, 
according  to  the  amount  of  vital  resistance  that  the  animal 
possesses.  Thus  we  have  stomach  staggers,  congestion  of 
the  brain,  vertigo,  disease  of  the  brain  called  hydrocephalus. 
Now,  although  we  observe  alarming  symptoms  in  the  region 
of  the  brain,  it  is  no  more  a  disease  of  that  organ  than  it  is 
of  impaired  digestion,  circulation,  absorption,  secretion,  &c.  ; 
for  the  latter  are  all  involved  in  a  deficiency  of  physiological 
action,  and  the  cure  of  stomach  staggers  is  the  cure  of  every 
other  form  of  disease.  The  different  forms  of  disease  sup- 
posed to  be  in  the  brain  of  horses,  are,  nominally,  impaired 
digestion,  and  result  from  overtaxing  the  latter  function, 
constipation,  want  of  pure  air  and  sufficient  exercise,  bad 
food,  &c.  :  these  are  chiefly  the  causes  that  produce  staggers. 
A  primary  congestion  of  the  brain,  or  spinal  marrow,  is  often 
produced  by  vitiated  and  irritating  mucous  secretions,  and 
indigestible  and  feculent  matter  in  the  intestines,  producing, 
in  common  parlance,  "  a  determination  of  blood  to  the  head." 
(For  treatment,  see  Appendix.) 

The  author  has  consulted  several  works  on  the  treatment 
of  apoplexy,  congestions,  &c.  :  they  all  agree  in  bleeding, 
blistering,  and  purging.  Mr.  Youatt  says,  "  The  treatment 
adopted  by  the  best  practitioners  is  too  often  unsuccessful. 


CONGESTION.  101 

The  horse  should  be  bled  until  he  faints  or  drops !  Both  the 
neck  veins  should  be  opened  at  once,  and  the  fulness  of  the 
stream,  or  the  quickness  with  which  it  is  taken,  is  almost  as 
important  as  the  quantity.  After  purging  is  effected  by  large 
doses  of  aloes."  He  then  recommends  foxglove  and  tartar 
emetic  in  doses  of  a  drachm  each,  three  or  four  times  a  day. 
"  The  head  should  be  blistered  :  rowels  and  setons  give  use- 
less pain,  for  the  horse  is  either  cured  or  dead  before  they 
perceptibly  begin  to  act."     (See  Youatt,  p.  105.) 

It  is  surprising  that  such  a  man  as  Mr.  Youatt  could  not 
perceive  the  reason  why  "  the  treatment  is  too  often  unsuc- 
cessful." The  means  recommended  are  calculated  to  kill, 
not  to  cure  :  hence,  if  the  disease  did  not  carry  the  animal 
off,  the  treatment  would.  Why  draw  away  the  blood  from 
the  poor  animal,  when  all  that  is  needed  is  to  give  it  equal 
distribution,  and  rid  the  stomach  and  alimentary  canal  of 
offending  matter?  Dr.  Hinds  observes,  "  In  all  ordinary  cases 
of  staggers  and  congestion  of  the  brain,  simply  opening  the 
bowels  will  effect  a  cure,  nine  cases  out  of  ten.  I  have 
known  violent  cases  of  staggers  cured  by  injections  and  a 
dose  of  physic." 

The  whole  train  of  maladies,  viz.,  staggers,  &c,  can  be 
traced  to  acute  or  chronic  indigestion,  or  an  obstructed  sur- 
face, accompanied  often  by  the  retention  of  a  great  mass  of 
indigestible  food  in  the  stomach  and  intestines.  How  on 
earth  bloodletting  can  relieve  the  stomach  and  intestines  of 
this  load,  we  should  like  to  know.  Bloodletting  may  give  a 
momentary  respite  to  the  distended  vessels  of  the  brain,  in 
apoplexy,  and  the  animal  appear  relieved  ;  but,  by  destroying, 
in  a  certain  degree,  the  vital  energies,  it  also  admits  of  a  still 
further  reaction,  which  is  favored  by  the  pressure  of  the 
atmosphere  on  the  extreme  vessels  of  the  external  surface  ; 
and  thus  the  advocates  of  bleeding  find  a  repetition  of  the 
practice  still  more  necessary  than  at  the  commencement.  Dr. 
White  says,  "  If  no  relief  is  obtained  by  abstracting  seven  or 
eight  quarts  of  blood,  take  away  five  quarts  more  !  "  Now,  it 
is  evident,   that   if  we  were  to  draw  out   all  the   blood,  the 


102  CONGESTION. 

animal  would  die  ;  as  it  is,  they  try  to  leave  just  enough  to 
keep  up  a  low  form  of  vitality.  Most  authors  agree  that  in 
"megrims,  mad  staggers,  stomach  staggers,  apoplexy,  and 
congestions,  there  is  a  determination  of  blood  to  the  head, 
and  may  be  produced  by  causes  that  mechanically  impede, 
or  obstruct,  the  flow  of  blood."  Then  they  should  be  re- 
moved by  regulating  the  unequal  distribution.  If  a  horse 
has  too  much  blood  in  the  head,  he  will  have  too  little  in  the 
tail  and  extremities.  The  difference  of  symptoms  in  the 
derangements  just  enumerated,  differ  only  according  to  the 
state  of  the  organs,  and  the  manner  in  which  the  blood  is 
thrown  on  the  brain,  and  retained  there.  There  is  no  real 
difference  in  the  nature  of  the  malady.  The  same  indications 
of  cure  are  to  be  fulfilled  that  we  have  just  laid  down,  viz., 
to  relax  the  whole  horse,  and  remove  obstructions  from  the 
alimentary  canal  and  external  surface. 

Dr.  Marshall  Hall  says,  "  Physical  impediments  to  the 
return  of  blood  by  the  veins  will  cause  congestion."  These 
impediments  consist  in  any  thing  that  weakens  the  force  of 
the  circulation,  as  bloodletting,  narcotizing,  calomelizing, 
&c.,  as  practised  by  the  disciples  of  Saiubel.  Few  cases  of 
disease  occur  without  the  parentage  of  some  of  these  Sam- 
sons of  the  regular  school.  The  veins,  having  but  little 
forcing  power  at  their  base  (like  the  arteries)  to  propel  the 
blood  back  to  the  heart,  are  the  first  to  feel  the  impediments 
and  compel  the  blood  to  accumulate  ;  hence  congestions. 

Professor  Coleman  considers  that  this  disorder  takes  its  rise 
from  over-distention  of  the  stomach.  He  was  once  consulted 
about  some  horses,  among  whom  there  had  been  a  strange 
mortality  ;  and  he  found  that  they  were  in  the  habit  of  con- 
tinuing at  work  for  ten  hours  together,  during  the  day,  and 
on  their  return  home  at  night  were  abundantly  supplied  with 
food.  The  professor  soon  discovered  the  source  of  the  evil, 
and  ordered,  for  the  future,  that  the  horses  should  be  fed  in 
the  middle  of  the  day  also,  by  means  of  nose-bags  ;  which 
salutary  practice  put  flight  to  the   epizootic.     Now,  this  is 


CONGESTION.  103 

certainly  a  strong  case  to  show  the  stomachic  origin  of  the 
malady. 

Mr.    Blain    says,    "The   treatment    of   staggers  has  been 
notoriously    unsuccessful.      I    never  witnessed    a  successful 
issue,   and  think  that  men  have  strangely  erred  in  pointing 
out  remedies  for  this   malady.     Phlebotomy    will   certainly 
tend  to  relieve  congestion  or  inflammatory  action,  that  may 
exist  in  the  brain  ;  but  the  main  question  for  us  to  consider, 
is,  whether  it  can  have  any  effect  in  unloading  the  stomach. 
Practitioners  are  in  the   habit  of  expressing  their  surprise  at 
the  obstinate  apathy  of  the  bowels  ;  whereas,  is  it  unreasonable 
to  suppose  that  12  or  even  20  drachms  of  aloes  can  have  any 
effect,  when  they  can  pass  no  farther  than  the  stomach  ?     It 
is  possible  that  active  stimulants   may  have  such  an  impres- 
sion upon  the  stomach,  as  to  excite  contraction  in  it.      [Then 
why  not  use   them  ?]     The  state  of  the   brain   in   staggers, 
generally  speaking,  appears  to  be,  in  the  beginning,    that  of 
simple  congestion,  or  unequal  distribution  of  the  blood.    [Then 
equalize,  instead  of  abstracting  it.]     In  most  of  the  heads  I 
have  examined,  vascular  distention  of    the  membranes  was 
found,  with  minute  bloody  specks  upon  the  divided  surfaces 
of  the  brain." 

From  the  professor's  remarks  we  are  led  to  conclude,  that 
prevention  is  more  valuable  and  successful  than  their  attempt 
at  cure.  The  reason  why  their  treatment  is  "  notoriously 
unsuccessful,"  the  reader  can  readily  perceive,  when  he  takes 
into  consideration  the  destructive  nature  of  the  treatment, 
which  is  as  follows  :  "  Bleed  profusely  ;  most  of  those  sub- 
jects will  bear  to  lose  six  or  eight,  and  some  even  ten  quarts 
of  blood.  The  next  consideration  is  purgation.  The  com- 
mon saying  is,  Purge  a  horse  with  staggers  and  you  cure  him ; 
and  there  is  much  truth  in  the  observation,  for  we  know  that 
hardly  any  one  thinks  of  purging  before  he  has  bled  the 
animal,  so  that  the  purge  is  acting  under  the  most  favorable 
circumstances.  [Unfavorable  he  ought  to  have  said.]  Two 
drachms  of  castor  nut,  and  a  small  quantity  of  calomel,  are  to 
be  given  in  a  bolus ;   promote  the  action  by  aloetic  injections, 


104     INHUMAN  TREATMENT  OF  HORSES  IN  ENGLAND. 

and  follow  up  the  purgative  medicine  by  diminished  doses. 
In  the  intervals  between  the  repetition  of  the  purges,  helle- 
bore [poison]  should  be  administered  every  six  hours,  in  doses 
of  half  to  a  drachm,  provided  the  first  quantity  make  no  im- 
pression ;  nothing,  bleeding  excepted,  operates  more  effectu- 
ally in  diminishing  the  force  of  blood  to  the  head,  than  the 
excitement  of  nausea  at  stomach.  Having,  by  these  means, 
sensibly  weakened  the  impulse  of  the  circulation,  the  head 
should  be  shorn,  and  blisters  applied  over  the  forehead,  the 
occiput,  and  temples,  and  should  be  renewed  every  six  hours, 
until  vesication  is  abundantly  produced." 

This  is  a  specimen  of  scientific  doctoring.  Many  of  our 
farmers  could  scarcely  believe  that  men  could  be  so  cruel. 
It  is  passing  strange  that  the  regular  faculty,  with  all  their 
advantages  of  numbers,  learning,  and  respectability,  have  only 
learned  how  to  kill,  instead  of  cure. 

How  to  avoid  Congestions,  Staggers,  and  Apoplexy.  — 
Never  permit  an  animal  to  eat  too  great  a  quantity  of  food  at 
one  time.  Let  him  have  less  than  usual  after  being  worked 
hard.  Buy  the  best  food  in  the  market,  for  cheap  fodder  is 
dear  at  any  price.  Attend  to  the  directions  we  have  laid 
down  in  the  articles  Feeding,  Watering,  &c. ;  lastly,  avoid 
the  lancet  and  poison. 


INHUMAN  TREATMENT  OE  HORSES  IN  ENGLAND. 

"  The  object  of  the  veterinary  profession,"  says  Dr.  White, 
"is  to  remove  the  pains  and  diseases  of  our  domestic  animals. 
Can  we  honestly,  heartily,  succesfully  employ  ourselves, 
if  we  do  not  sympathize  with  them  ?  if  we  do  not  love  to  see 
them  happy,  and  contemplate  their  sufferings  with  regret  ? 
Can  the  brute  who  regards  them  as  mere  machines,  devoid  of 
rights,  placed  without  the  pale  of  justice,  created  merely  for 
our  purposes,  and  to  be  sacrificed  without  crime  to  our  caprices ; 


INHUMAN    TREATMENT    OF    HORSES    IN    ENGLAND.  105 

—  can  he  so  identify  himself  with  his  profession,  as  to 
neglect  no  opportunity  to  mitigate  pain,  and  to  spare  no  exer- 
tion to  increase  enjoyment  ?  This  is  the  duty,  and  ought  to 
be  the  pride  and  pleasure,  of  every  veterinary  surgeon.  Re- 
gard to  reputation,  and  sense  of  duty  to  our  employer,  are 
powerful  principles  of  action. 

"  Dare  we  trace  the  education  of  the  veterinary  surgeon  as 
far  as  humanity  is  concerned  ?  See  him  at  the  college 
attending  a  necessary,  but  severe  operation,  jostling  and 
wrestling  with  his  fellows  for  the  best  view  ;  execrating  the 
struggles  of  the  agonized  animal,  and  mocking  its  groans ; 
not  one  expression  of  commiseration  heard  ;  not  one  calcu- 
lation, how  far  a  part,  at  least,  of  the  torture  may  be  saved, 
consistently  with  the  object  of  the  operation ;  the  loud 
laugh,  and  the  ribald  joke,  drowning  the  voice  of  the  opera- 
tor, —  or  the  operator  himself,  when  not  too  much  annoyed 
by  the  shameless  indecency  of  the  scene,  pausing  in  the 
•midst  of  his  work,  and  joining  in  the  laugh.  We  have  some- 
times thought,  that  if  a  stranger  were  present  at  this  unnatu- 
ral exhibition,  he  would  imagine  that  we  were  training  for 
purposes  of  brutality,  and  not  of  humanity,  and  be  very 
cautious  how  he  intrusted  a  valuable  and  generous  animal  to 
our  tender  mercies.  And  sure  we  are,  that  scenes  like  these 
are  more  calculated  to  train  us  to  become  butchers  than  sur- 
geons ;  and  hence,  in  a  great  measure,  it  is  that  so  many  of 
our  operations  are  performed  in  a  butcher-like  manner.  We 
are  aware  that  one  of  the  most  important  requisites  in  a  sur- 
geon is  self-possession  ;  and  that  the  feelings  of  the  patient 
should  not  for  a  moment  merge  in  the  important  object  of 
the  operation  ;  but  this  is  different  from  those  exhibitions  in 
which  there  is  no  previous  comparison  of  suffering  and  ad- 
vantage, and  no  subsequent  commiseration.  It  cannot  be 
denied,  that  circumstances  do  sometimes  attend  the  operations 
of  veterinary  surgery,  which  would  meet  with  universal 
execration  in  the  theatre  of  the  human  surgeon.  The  inevi- 
table consequences  of  this  on  the  mind  of  the  young  prac- 
titioner have  not  been  sufficiently  calculated  ;  or,  rather,  the 
14 


106  INHUMAN    TREATMENT    OF    HORSES    IN    ENGLAND. 

error  has  been,  that  we  have  not  felt  ourselves  bound  to  re- 
gard the  feelings  and  the  sufferings  of  the  animal  given  to  our 
care. 

"  A  knot  of  young  pupils  go  to  the  knacker ;  they  bargain 
for  some  poor,  condemned  animal ;  they  cast  him,  and  they 
cut  him  up,  and  torture  him  alive.  They  perform  the  nerve 
operation  on  each  leg,  and  on  each  side  ;  they  fire  him  on  the 
coronet,  the  fetlock,  the  leg,  the  hock,  and  the  round  bone ; 
they  insert  setons  in  every  direction  ;  they  nick  him,  they 
dock  him,  they  trephine  him  :  when  one  is  tired  of  cruelty, 
another  succeeds  him  :  and  at  length,  perhaps,  they  terminate 
his  sufferings  by  some  new  mode  of  destroying  his  life.  Did 
the  great  surgeons  of  the  present  day  thus  acquire  precision 
and  judgment  ?  or,  if  they  did,  would  they  not  have  been 
supposed  to  have  been  qualifying  themselves  for  the  office  of 
familiars  at  the  Inquisition,  rather  than  of  humane  surgeons? 
Would  they  not  have  been  detested  while  living,  and  held  in 
lasting  execration  when  dead  ?  But  these  operations  on  the 
living  subject  teach  the  youngster  how  to  accommodate  him- 
self to  the  struggles  of  the  animal,  how  to  feather  his  lines 
with  mathematical  exactness,  and  to  acquaint  himself  with 
the  true  color  produced  by  the  iron  when  it  has  seared  the 
skin  sufficiently  deep  !  Would  not  one  or  two  operations  on 
the  real  patient  have  given  all  the  information  that  would  be 
necessary,  without  engaging  the  conservators  of  the  health 
and  enjoyment  of  the  horse  in  the  functions  of  demons,  and 
giving  them  an  indifference  to  suffering,  and  a  callousness  of 
feeling  which  taints  the  whole  course  of  their  after  practice  ? 

"  That  school  wants  reform  that  tempts  pupils  to  the  com- 
mission of  atrocities  like  these.  Every  pupil,  after  having 
been  compelled  to  operate  once,  or  twice,  or  thrice,  on  the 
dead  subject  before  the  professors,  should  in  his  turn  be  called 
on  to  operate  on  the  different  cases  which  are  brought  to  the 
colleges.  Under  the  immediate  inspection  of  the  professor 
there  could  be  no  danger  to  the  patient  ;  and  one  operation, 
every  step  of  which  was  guided  and  directed  by  the  professor, 
would  be  more  useful  to  the  student  than  a  hundred  at  the 


INHUMAN    TREATMENT    OF    HORSES    IN    ENGLAND.  107 

knacker's  yard ;  but,  according  to  the  present  system,  nearly 
all  the  operations  are  performed,  by  the  assistant  professor, 
and  the  demonstrator  and  the  pupils  are  permitted  only  to 
look  on.      Some  alteration  is  here  imperiously  required." 

Mr.  Blane  experienced  in  his  own  person  the  results  of  this 
imperfect  system  of  teaching.  He  was  sent  for  to  fire  a 
valuable  horse,  and  gives  the  following  account  of  it :  "  It 
was  my  first  essay  in  firing  on  my  own  account,  and  fired  as 
I  was  with  my  wishes  to  signalize  myself,  I  labored  to  enter 
my  novitiate  with  all  due  honor.  The  farrier  of  the  village 
was  ordered  to  attend,  a  sturdy  old  man,  civil  enough,  but 
looking  as  though  impressed  with  no  very  high  respect  for  a 
gentleman  farrier's  knowledge.  The  horse  was  cast,  (awk- 
wardly enough,)  and  secured,  as  will  appear,  even  more  so. 
I,  however,  proceeded  to  show  the  superiority  of  the  new 
over  the  old  schools.  I  had  just  then  left  the  veterinary  col- 
lege, not  as  a  pupil,  but  as  a  teacher,  [licensed  to  kill, 
and  no  questions  asked,]  which  I  only  mention  to  mark  the 
climax.  On  the  very  first  application  of  the  iron,  up  started 
my  patient,  flinging  me  and  my  assistants  in  all  directions 
from  him,  while  he  trotted  and  snorted  round  the  yard  with 
rope,  &c,  at  his  heels.  As  maybe  supposed,  I  was  taken 
aback,  and  might  have  gone  back  as  I  came,  had  not  the  old 
farrier,  with  much  good  humor,  caught  the  horse  round  the 
neck  with  his  arms,  and  by  some  dexterous  manoeuvre  brought 
him  on  his  knees ;  when,  with  a  jerk,  as  quick  as  unexpected, 
he  threw  him  at  once  on  his  side,  when  our  immediate  assist- 
ants fixed  him,  and  we  proceeded.  It  is  needless  to  remark 
that  I  retired  mortified,  and  left  the  village  farrier  lord  of 
the  ascendant." 

"  It  cannot  be  doubted  that  the  best  operators  in  this  case 
are  always  the  common  country  farriers,  who,  from  devoting 
themselves  entirely  to  the  occupation,  soon  become  pro- 
ficients." * 

*  This  admission  on  the  part  of  a  regular  graduate  of  a  veterinary  insti- 
tution of  London  shows  that  the  veterinary  science,  as  taught  at  the  present 


108  ON    RABIES    AND    ITS    EFFECTS. 


ON  RABIES,  OR  MADNESS, 

AND   THE    EFFECTS    OF    THE    MILK    OF    RABID    AND   DISEASED 

ANIMALS. 

Mr.  Youatt  says  that  "  the  poison  of  all  rabid  animals 
seems  to  reside  in  the  saliva."  Who  ever  heard  of  the  ani- 
mal's horns,  the  teeth,  or  saliva  being  mad,,  without  the  whole 
animal  being  sympathetically  affected  ?  Is  not.  the  saliva  a 
secretion  from  the  blood,  (secreted  by  the  salivary  glands,) 
and  is  not  the  virus  first  absorbed  and  taken  up  by  the  lac- 
teals,  from  thence  going  the  rounds  of  the  circulation  ? 
When  any  kind  of  poison  is  absorbed,  the  whole  secretions 
become  vitiated  :  thus  the  bile,  blood,  urine,  and  milk,  all 
become  deranged.  For  proof  of  this,  see  B.  M.  Recorder, 
vol.  vii.  p.  101.  "  If  the  Rhus  Toxicodendron,  called  poison 
sumac,  poison  oak,  &c,  is  eaten  by  cattle  or  horses,  the  males 
usually  die,  the  females  sometimes  escape  ;  the  animals  that 
drink  of  their  milk,  or  eat  butter  or  cheese  made  from  it,  usu- 
ally have  the  disease  ;  and  the  dogs,  hogs,  buzzards,  &c,  that 
eat  the  flesh  of  these  animals,  die  of  it.  And  the  fumes  of 
the  candles  made  of  the  tallow  of  the  cattle  that  have  died  of 
it  frequently  communicate  the  disease.  Persons  who  skin 
the  animals  often  take  it."  What  folly,  then,  to  prate  about 
the  salivary  glands  being  inoculated,  to  the  exclusion  of  other 

day,  is  a  matter  for  reproach.  The  melancholy  triumph  of  disease  over  its 
victims  (in  England  amounting  in  neat  cattle  to  $50,000,000)  shows  that  the 
science  is  mere  moonshine ;  that  in  regard  to  its  most  important  objects, 
(the  cure  of  disease,)  it  is  mere  speculation,  rich  in  theory,  but  poverty-strick- 
en in  its  results.  Hence  we  have  not  only  proof  that  the  American  people 
ought  to  be  reformers,  but,  as  interested  individuals,  we  have  great  encour- 
agement to  be  such.  The  author  dates  his  conversion  to  the  true,  or  physio- 
logical faith,  up  to  the  moment  when  he  emancipated  himself  from  the  the- 
ory of  the  popular  schools.  The  superiority  of  our  practice  consists  in  the 
agents  used,  which  are  harmless  and  efficient ;  whereas  the  agents  which 
he  formerly  used  constituted  a  class  of  deadly  poisons.  For  the  proof  of  the 
success  of  our  present  system  over  that  of  the  old,  we  refer  the  reader  to 
some  of  our  patrons,  whose  names  will  be  found  in  the  Appendix. 


ON    RABIES    AND    ITS    EFFECTS.  109 

parts  of  the  animal.  Who  ever  heard  of  a  man's  head  being 
drunk,  and  not  the  whole  man  being  more  or  less  affected  ? 
Our  object  is  to  show  that  the  milk  of  a  rabid  cow  cannot 
be  drank  with  impunity,  notwithstanding  Mr.  Youatt's  asser- 
tion to  the  contrary,  who  maintains  that  the  milk  of  the  rabid 
cow  may  be  drank  with  safety,  for  the  poison  is  confined  to 
the  saliva.  Dr.  Pereira  says  the  morbid  changes  produced  in 
the  quality  of  the  milk  by  diseased  conditions  of  a  cow, 
have  recently-attracted  considerable  attention  in  Paris,  owing 
to  the  prevalence  of  a  malady,  called  the  cocote,  among  the 
cows  in  that  capital.  Those  which  have  been  recognized  are, 
want  of  homogeneousness,  imperfect  mobility,  or  liquidity, 
capable  of  becoming  thick  or  viscid,  on  the  addition  of  ammo- 
nia, and  containing  certain  properties  not  found  in  healthy 
milk.  Labillardiere  states  that  the  milk  of  a  cow  affected 
with  consumption  contained  seven  times  more  phosphate  of 
lime  than  usual. 

The  influence  which  many  medicines,  taken  by  the  parent, 
have  over  the  offspring,  is  well  known,  though  Cullen  denies 
it.  We  can  modify  the  color  of  the  milk  by  mixing  madder 
or  saffron  with  the  food  ;  the  odor  may  be  affected  by  garlic  ; 
the  taste  may  be  affected  by  the  use  of  wormwood  ;  and  last- 
ly, the  medicinal  effect  may  also  be  influenced.  The  fact  thus 
established,  that  the  milk  can  be  altered  by  disease,  leads  us 
also  to  conclude  that  it  can  be  altered  by  rabies,  or  madness. 
We  do  not  wish  to  give  the  reader  an  idea  that  the  milk  of 
a  rabid  animal  will  produce  hydrophobia ;  all  we  desire  to  pro- 
mulgate is,  that  it  will  produce  disease.  If  it  has  not  accom- 
plished this  in  all  cases,  it  is  because  the  vital  energies  of  the 
system,  into  which  it  was  introduced,  encountered,  and  even- 
tually resisted  the  foe. 

Mr.  Clater  observes  that  "rabies  has  but  one  origin,  and 
that  is  inoculation."  Can  Mr.  C.  tell  who  inoculated  the 
first  dog?  WV  hear  the  free  use  of  horse  flesh,  in  keeping 
dogs  in  England,  charged  as  one  main  cause  for  engendering 
rabies.  Dr.  Hinds  observes,  that  "  this  appalling  disorder  is 
comparatively  small  in  those  parts  of  the  world  where  horse 


110  PRELIMINARY    REMARKS    ON    THE 

flesh  is  less  used."  Dr.  C.  M.  Wood,  of  this  city,  observes,  that 
"the  putrid,  filthy  food  given  to  dogs  in  the  hot  season  may 
engender  rabies,  or  a  disease  analogous  to  it,  especially  when 
the  organs  of  digestion  are  deranged." 

It  has  been  supposed  by  M.  Husart,  and  others,  that  "  hy- 
drophobia, communicated  by  a  dog  to  horses,  sheep,  and  cat- 
tle, undergoes  a  change,  and  is  modified  in  the  system  of  the 
latter,  so  that  it  may  be  deprived  of  its  virulence  ;  and  that 
these  animals  do  not  possess  the  power  of  communicating  the 
disease,  by  bite,  to  other  animals,  even  though  laboring  under 
the  highest  degree  of  hydrophobia  "  —  a  proposition  the  author 
does  not  vouch  for. 

We  advise  those  who  are  disposed  to  attempt  a  cure  in 
hydrophobia  to  use  lobelia,  Scutellaria  (skullcap,)  plantago, 
(plantain,)  either  of  which,  given  freely  in  the  form  of  infu- 
sion, assisted  by  injections  of  a  decoction  of  milkweed, 
(known  as  Indian  hemp,)  will  cure  this  dreadful  malady.  In 
the  latter  stages  of  hydrophobia,  when  the  throat  is  sore,  the 
eyes  affected,  sight  impaired,  and  intestinal  disease  has  set  in, 
the  author  would  not  attempt  a  cure. 


PRELIMINARY   REMARKS 

ON  THE  DISTRIBUTION  OF  THE  ARTERIES,  VEINS,  &c. 

The  agricultural  societies  of  this  country  are  now  making 
efforts  to  induce  their  respective  legislatures  to  grant  assistance 
for  the  purpose  of  establishing  agricultural  colleges,  and  we 
have  no  doubt  of  the  result  ;  and  we  predict  that  the  veteri- 
nary science  will  there  receive  its  origin  ;  for  the  agriculturist 
will  not  only  confine  himself  to  the  improvement  of  "  the 
soil  and  the  mind,"  but  the  improvement  of  his  domestic 
animals  will  receive  a  share  of  his  attention.  It  appears  to  us 
that  the  community  require  practical  information  for  its  at- 
tainment, and  a   knowledge   of   the    organs  of  locomotion, 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    ARTERIES,    VEINS,    &C.  Ill 

blood-vessels,  brain,  nerves,  viscera,  &c.  For  this  reason,  and 
in  order  to  render  assistance  to  those  desirous  of  practising 
the  veterinary  art,  the  author  has  thought  proper  to  introduce 
a  description  of  these  vessels.  We  are  compelled  from  long 
usage,  and  because  the  English  language  will  not  furnish  us 
with  suitable  terms  to  express  in  all  cases  our  meaning,  to 
adopt  technicalities,  which  at  first  sight  may  appear  superflu- 
ous and  unsurmountable  ;  yet  it  has  ever  appeared  to  us  that 
this  is  the  best  system.  For  students  we  principally  design 
this  part  of  the  work  :  should  it  be  deemed  worthy  the  atten- 
tion of  the  farmer  and  stable  keeper,  we  shall  feel  amply 
repaid  for  our  trouble. 

To  compose  this  part  of  the  work,  we  have  availed  our- 
selves of  Professor  Percival's  lectures.  The  same  talented  au- 
thor, in  his  introductory  remarks,  says,  "  The  theory  of  medicine 
in  the  human  subject  is  the  theory  of  medicine  in  the  brute  ; 
it  is  the  application  of  that  theory  —  the  practice  alone  —  that 
is  different.  Whether  we  prescribe  for  a  man,  or  a  horse,  a  dog, 
or  a  cat,  the  laws  of  the  animal  economy  are  the  same  in  all  ; 
and  cue  —  and  that  an  unerring  system  of  principles,  built 
upon  ascertained  and  established  truths  —  is  to  dictate  our 
practice  in  all.  We  might  as  well,  in  reference  to  the  princi- 
ples of  each,  attempt  to  separate  surgery  from  medicine,  as 
insist  that  either  of  these  arts,  in  theory,  is  essentially  differ- 
ent from  the  veterinary  :  every  day's  experience  serves  to  con- 
firm this  our  belief,  in  showing  us  how  often  the  disease  of 
a  horse  arises  from  the  same  causes  as  those  of  a  man,  exhibit 
the  same  indications,  and  require  a  similar  method  of  cure. 
"  To  the  old  practitioner  we  would  fain  hint,  that  nothing  is 
so  effectual  a  barrier  to  advancement,  nothing  so  prejudicial 
to  the  art,  as  to  continue  the  use  of  remedies  purely  because 
they  were  the  infallibles  of  those  who  went  before  :  let  him 
be  wary  how  he  vainly  piques  himself  of  his  experience." 

An  accurate  examination  of  the  interior  parts  of  animals, 
a  studious  survey  of  the  arrangement,  structure,  form,  con- 
nection, use,  and  relation,  of  these  parts,  and  of  the  laws 
by  which  they  are  intended  to  act,  as  also  of  the  nature  and 


112  DISTRIBUTION    OF     ARTERIES. 

property  of  the  various  foods,  and  other  agents,  which  the 
earth  so  liberally  provides  for  their  support  and  cure :  these 
form,  in  a  great  measure,  the  sound  and  sure  foundation  of 
all  medical  science,  whatever  living  individual  animal  is  the 
subject  of  our  consideration/' 

DISTRIBUTION   OF   ARTERIES. 

The  blood  is  propelled  by  the  heart  through  the  great 
aorta,  which  rises  out  of  the  base  of  the  left  ventricle,  in  the 
space  between  the  left  auricle  and  the  pulmonary  artery. 
The  branches  furnished  by  the  main  trunk  are  the  coronary 
arteries.  The  right  coronary  artery  emerges  from  between 
the  pulmonary  and  right  auricle,  winds  round  the  fissure  sepa- 
rating that  cavity  from  the  right  ventricle,  and  turns  down 
under  the  termination  of  the  vena  cava;  and  distributes 
ramifications  in  its  course,  which  penetrate  the  substance  of 
the  parietes,  and  end  in  spiral  branches.  The  left  coronary 
artery,  in  passing  out  between  the  pulmonary  artery  and  left 
auricle,  sends  off  a  large  branch,  which  encircles  the  other 
auricle  ;  it  then  takes  its  course  downward,  and  ends  in  spiral 
ramifications, 

ANTERIOR     AORTA. 

This  is  a  shorter  division  of  the  main  trunk.  The  course 
of  this  vessel  is  under  the  windpipe  ;  it  gives  origin  to  those 
large  arteries  which  are  distributed  over  the  breast,  head, 
neck,  brain,  and  anterior  extremities.  It  divides,  at  a  short 
distance  from  the  heart,  into  the  right  and  left  arteria  innomi- 
nata  ;  the  right  is  considerably  longer  than  the  left,  and 
measures  nearly  as  much  again  in  circumference  ;  it  forms 
the  trunk  from  which  the  two  carotid  arteries  spring ;  the 
left  terminates  in  the  following  vessels  :  — 

1.  The  dorsal  artery.  2.  Posterior  cervical.  3.  Vertebral. 
4.  Internal  pectoral.  5.  External  pectoral.  6.  Inferior  cer- 
vical. 7.  Axillary.  Each  of  these  arteries  ramify  and  anas- 
tomoze  with  others,  and  are  distributed  to  muscular  and  adipose 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    ARTERIES.  113 

substance.  From  the  axillary  artery  spring  all  the  arteries 
of  the  fore  extremity.  This  vessel  can  only  be  seen  by 
detaching  the  shoulder  from  the  body.  It  arises  within  the 
chest,  from  the  arteria  innominata ;  gains  exit  by  making  a 
sudden  turn  around  the  first  rib,  rather  below  its  middle,  cross- 
ing the  lower  border  of  the  scalenus  in  the  turn  ;  it  is  first 
directed  outward  in  this  flexure,  and  then  backward,  and  at 
length  reaches  the  inner  part  of  the  head  of  the  humerus, 
where  it  makes  another  turn  backward,  and  afterwards  takes 
the  name  of  the  brachial  artery.  Its  branches  are  —  1.  The 
external  thoracic.  2.  The  humeral  thoracic,  which  runs  to  the 
point  of  the  shoulder,  and  gives  its  branches  to  the  levator 
humeri  and  shoulder  joint.  3.  The  dorsalis  scapula?  ascends, 
in  a  flexuous  manner,  to  the  shoulder  joint,  crossing  the  inser- 
tion of  the  subscapularis.  It  runs  for  a  short  distance  along 
the  ribs.  4.  The  subscapularis,  a  large  artery,  which  also  arises 
from  the  upper  part  of  the  trunk,  but  near  to  its  termination. 
It  passes  along  the  ribs,  screened  from  view  by  the  edges  of 
the  subscapularis  and  teres  major,  to  both  of  which  muscles 
it  detaches  several  small  branches,  and  ends  near  the  lower 
angle  of  the  bone ;  it  also  gives  off  several  branches  to  the 
triceps  and  panniculus. 

The  humeral  artery  descends  from  the  inner  and  back  part 
of  the  head  of  the  os  humeri,  in  an  oblique  direction  on  the 
body  of  the  bone,  where  it  divides  into  the  ulnar,  spiral,  and 
radial  arteries.  On  its  inner  side,  it  has  the  spiral  and  ulnar 
nerves  ;  in  front,  the  radial  nerve  ;  and  behind,  the  hume- 
ral veins  ;  and  it  is  covered  internally  by  the  large  pectoral 
muscle,  to  which  it  sends  some  small  branches.  But  its 
principal  branches  are  —  1.  One  near  its  origin,  which  crosses 
the  bone  to  get  to  the  flexor  brachii,  and  sends  twigs  to  the 
shoulder-joint.  2.  A  posterior  branch,  arising  a  little  lower 
down,  which  enters  the  muscle  called  triceps.  3.  Near  its 
termination,  another  branch  to  the  flexor  brachii.  Where  the 
artery  divides,  it  is  covered  by  the  humeral  plexus  of  veins, 
and  by  the  absorbent  glands  of  the  arm. 

The  ulnar  artery  consists  of  a  common  root,  from  which 
15 


114  DISTRIBUTION    OF    ARTERIES. 

spring  three  or  four  vessels  of  considerable  size,  running  in 
waving  lines  upon  the  inner  side  of  the  lower  end  of  the 
humerus.  The  upper  one-  is  directed  to  the  ulnar,  splitting 
before  it  reaches  the  bone,  and  sending  one  branch  upward 
upon  the  elbow,  and  another  downward  to  the  heads  of  the 
flexors  ;  to  which  muscles  the  other  branches  of  this  vessel 
are  distributed. 

The  spiral  artery,  the  outermost  division,  turns  round  the 
os  humeri,  passing  under  the  flexor  brachii,  and  sending  a 
recurrent  branch  to  it,  to  arrive  at  the  front  of  the  radius, 
where  it  splits  into  several  branches,  of  which — 1.  Some 
run  into  the  elbow  joint.  2.  Others,  larger  and  more  numer- 
ous, penetrate  the  heads  of  the  extensors.  3.  Two  long, 
slender  ones  descend  upon  the  radius,  and  give  branches,  in 
their  course,  to  the  extensor  muscles  as  low  as  the  knee,  and 
there  end  in  ramifications  about  and  into  the  joint  joining 
with  others  coming  from  the  radial. 

The  radial  artery,  the  principal  division  humeral,  con- 
tinues its  descent  along  the  radius,  about  the  middle  of  the 
arm  ;  the  nerve  accompanies  it  first  on  its  outer  side,  and  sub- 
sequently behind  it.  A  short  way  above  the  knee,  it  splits 
into  the  metacarpal  arteries. 

The  small  metacarpal  artery  descends,  within  a  cellular 
sheath,  along  the  inner  and  back  part  of  the  knee.  It  con- 
tinues its  descent  along  the  metacarpal  vein,  (which  runs  to 
its  inner  side,)  till  it  gets  below  the  knee,  and  then  transmits 
its  divisions  down  the  front  of  the  suspensary  ligament  ; 
between  it  and  the  canon  bone,  it  sends  off  branches  over 
the  front  of  the  knee,  the  canon,  and  suspensary  ligament. 

The  large  metacarpal  artery,  a  continuation  of  the  radial 
trunk,  continues  its  course  down  the  leg,  by  the  side  of  the 
tendo  perforatus,  passing  under  the  posterior  annular  liga- 
ment, approaches  the  fetlock  just  above  the  joint,  and  then 
splits  into  three  vessels ;  from  the  middle  division  three  re- 
current arteries  are  given  out ;  the  side  divisions  become  the 
plantar  arteries.  From  the  arch  below  come  off  two  other 
branches,  which  descend  into  the  joint.     The  plantar  arte- 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    ARTERIES.  115 

ries,  external  and  internal,  in  the  fore  extremity,  result  from 
the  fork  of  the  metacarpal ;  in  the  hind,  from  that  of  the  meta- 
tarsal. (Their  general  distribution  is  the  same,  both  in  the 
hind  and  fore  feet.)  They  descend  the  fetlock  upon  the 
sides  of  the  sessamoids,  in  company  with  the  veins  which  run 
in  front  of  them,  and  with  the  plantar  nerves  which  proceed 
behind  them  ;  the  artery  then  passes  down  to,  and  into  the 
substance  of  what  is  called  the  a  fatty  frog  ;  "  it  next  passes 
the  inner  and  upper  extremity  of  the  coffin  bone,  and  after- 
wards to  the  foramen  of  the  posterior  concavity  of  the  bone. 
The  branches  of  the  plantar  artery  are  many  and  important. 
After  detaching  some  small  ramifications  inwardly  to  the  fet- 
lock, posteriorly  to  the  flexor  tendons,  and  anteriorly  to  the 
extensor  tendon,  it  then  sends  off —  1.  The  perpendicular 
artery.  2.  The  transverse  artery.  3.  The  artery  of  the  frog. 
4.  The  lateral  laminal  artery.  5.  The  circulus  arteriosus. 
Prom  the  latter  arise  two  principal  sets  of  vessels  —  1.  The 
anterior  laminated  arteries.  2.  The  inferior  communicating 
arteries,  "  thirteen,  and  sometimes  fourteen,  in  number." 
3.  The  circumflex  artery.  Then,  again,  from  this  vessel  spring 
the  solar  arteries,  which  may  be  so  named  from  their  radiated 
arrangement.  These  latter  are  destined  for  the  supply  of  the 
sole,  upon  which  they  run  in  radii  at  equal  distances,  whose 
common  centre  is  the  toe  of  the  frog,  where  they  end  in  com- 
munications with  the  arteries  of  that  body. 

THE     CAROTID    ARTERY. 

The  right  arteria  innominata,  having  detached  seven  im- 
portant branches,  which  vary  but  little  in  their  mode  of  origin, 
general  course,  and  distribution,  from  the  several  arteries  into 
which  the  left  division  resolves  itself,  become  the  common 
carotid  —  a  large  vessel  emerging  through  the  upper  opening 
of  the  chest ;  it  divides,  as  it  quits  the  chest,  into  two  branches, 
called  the  right  and  left  carotids.  These  arteries  ascend,  and 
having  reached  the  top  of  the  larynx,  the  carotid  of  either 
side    branches  into  three  divisions  —  the  external  and  inter- 


^0  DISTRIBUTION    OF    ARTEllic.3. 

nal  carotids,  and  the  ramus  anastomoticus  :  here,  though  the 
trunk  itself  becomes  deeply  lodged  in  soft  parts,  its  situation 
is  well  indicated  by  the  larynx,  with  which  it  is  in  contact. 
This  vessel  detaches — 1.  Several  unimportant  muscular 
branches  in  its  progress  up  the  neck.  2.  The  thyroideal  artery, 
which  furnishes  the  laryngeal,  a  small  artery  that  perforates 
the  ligament  uniting  the  cartilages  of  the  throat. 

The  external  carotid  artery  is  the  large  division,  which 
may  be  regarded  as  the  continuation  of  the  carotid  itself. 
This  artery  is  embedded  in  glandular  substance,  surrounded 
by  venous  and  nervous  trunks,  and  protected  by  bony  prom- 
inences and  muscles.  The  first  branch  of  the  external  caro- 
tid is  the  submaxillary  artery  ;  it  comes  off  behind  the  horn 
of  the  ox  hyoides,  just  as  the  carotid  makes  its  second  curve, 
and  ranks  next  in  size  to  the  trunk  itself.  After  reaching  the 
lower  jaw,  (about  one  third  of  its  length  downwards,)  it 
arrives  upon  the  face  ;  here  it  becomes  subcutaneous,  it  ends 
in  an  equal  division,  called  the  facial  and  inferior  labial  arte- 
ries. Its  branches  are,  the  ascending  laryngeal,  pharyngeal : 
smaller  branches  go  to  parotid  gland,  and  a  large  branch, 
called  the  lingual.  The  latter  detaches  a  few  twigs  into  the 
submaxillary  space  ;  it  then  branches  into  two  arteries,  the 
ranine  and  the  sublingual.  The  ranine,  apparently  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  lingual,  passes  along  the  under  part  of  the 
tongue,  and  transmits  branches  to  the  interior,  and  continues 
of  large  size  even  to  the  tip  of  the  organ,  wherever  its  ex- 
treme ramifications  are  expended.  The  sublingual  artery 
winds  along  the  under  and  outer  border  of  the  tongue,  pre- 
serving a  more  superficial  course  than  the  former.  It  supplies 
the  sublingual  gland,  and  distributes  branches  over  the  mem- 
brane of  the  tongue.  The  submental  artery  leaves  the  sub- 
maxillary, follows  the  course  of  the  branch  of  the  jaw,  and 
detaches  twigs  to  muscles  ;  it  then  transmits  its  ramifications 
into  the  gums  internally.  The  anterior  masseter  branches 
pass  on  the  external  side  of  the  jaw. 

The  inferior  labial  artery  courses  the  side  of  the  jaw, 
invested  in  the  cellular  and  fleshy  substance  belonging  to  the 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    ARTERIES.  117 

buccinator.  It  gives  off  slender  ramifications  to  the  invest- 
ing cellular  substance,  also  the  buccinator  arteries  ;  the  buccal 
twigs  bifurcate,  sending  their  divisions  respectively  to  the 
upper  and  under  lips  ;  these  form  the  superior  and  inferior 
coronary  arteries  of  the  lips. 

The  facial  artery  ascends  upon  the  side  of  the  face,  crosses 
the  buccinator ;  then,  having  run  as  high  as  the  bony  ridge, 
from  whence  the  masseter  arises,  it  detaches  a  large  branch, 
and  then  expands  upon  the  upper  and  fore  part  of  the  face  ; 
its  terminating  ramifications  are  in  the  cellular  substance  and 
skin  covering  the  fore  part  of  the  face. 

The  posterior  auricular  gives  branches  to  the  parotid  gland, 
and  to  the  different  muscles  of  the  ears. 

The  temporal  artery,  the  anterior  auricular,  and  the  inter- 
nal maxillary,  may  be  considered  as  the  terminating  branches 
of  the  external  carotid.  The  internal  maxillary  gives  off  deep 
temporal  branches,  long  slender  twigs,  to  the  soft  palate,  to 
the  ear,  and  to  the  articulation  of  the  jaw  ;  the  facial  artery 
also  gives  off  the  inferior  maxillary,  the  supra-orbitar,  the 
ocular,  the  infra-orbitar,  and  the  palate  maxillary.  The 
second  and  smallest  divisions  of  the  carotid  is  the 

RAMUS     ANASTOMOTICUS. 

It  leaves  the  trunk  of  the  carotid,  joins  the  vertebral,  and 
from  it  arises  the  occipital  artery,  which  gives  off  twigs  to  be 
dispersed  upon  the  dura  mater,  temporal  muscle,  and  muscles 
of  the  occiput. 

INTERNAL    CAROTID. 

This  vessel,  whose  calibre  is  not  more  than  half  that  of 
the  external  carotid,  ascends  to  the  base  of  the  skull :  at  its 
entrance  into  the  skull,  a  vessel  comes  off  named  the  arteria 
communicans  :  after  having  given  off  this  vessel,  the  internal 
carotid  pierces  the  dura  mater,  takes  its  course  up  near  the 
optic  nerve,  and  branches  into  four  divisions,  which  supply 
the  cerebrum  with  blood. 


118  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    ARTERIES. 

The  remaining  vessels  of  the  brain  are  derived  from  the 
vertebral  artery,  which  gives  off  posterior  arteries  to  the  dura 
mater,  and  ramifications  to  the  medulla  oblongata. 

The  basilar  artery  sends  off  branches  to  the  cerebellum. 


THE    POSTERIOR    AORTA. 

Considerably  longer  and  larger  than  the  anterior  is  the  main 
trunk,  from  which  are  derived  the  artery  of  the  abdomen,  pel- 
vis, and  posterior  extremities,  in  addition  to  the  posterior 
intercostals,  and  some  few  of  the  thoracic  arteries.  It  com- 
mences opposite  the  fourth  dorsal  vertebra?  :  from  its  ori- 
gin it  courses  first  upward,  and  then  backward,  having  the 
pulmonary  artery  on  its  left,  the  termination  of  the  windpipe 
on  its  right,  then  takes  a  course  along  the  spine,  inclining  to 
the  left  side.  From  the  inferior  part  of  the  curvature  of  the 
aorta  arise  the  right  and  left  bronchial  arteries  :  these  vessels 
penetrate  the  lungs  in  company  with  the  bronchia,  to  the 
branches  of  which  they  cling  in  the  course  of  their  ramifica- 
tions within  the  substance  of  the  lungs. 

The  sesophogeal  also  spring  from  the  concavity  of  the  arch 
near  to  the  former,  and  proceed  backward  to  the  sesophagus, 
where  it  divides  into  an  inferior  and  superior  artery.  The 
intercostal,  the  remaining  branches,  come  off  in  pairs  from 
the  sujes  of  the  vessel,  to  supply  all  those  intercostal 
spaces  posteriorly  to  the  last.  These  arteries  run  along  the 
lower  borders  of  the  ribs,  and  end  about  the  inferior  parts  of 
the  chest  and  abdomen.  They  furnish,  near  their  origin, 
small  branches,  which  enter  the  vertebral  canal.  Having 
detached  these  small  vessels,  the  posterior  aorta  continues  its 
passage  into  the  abdomen.  In  making  its  exit  from  the  chest, 
it  gives  off  the  phrenic  or  diaphragmatic  arteries. 

Within  the  abdomen,  the  aorta  continues  to  be  firmly  fixed 
to  the  spine,  by  its  several  cellular  attachments,  as  far  as 
the  lumbar  vertebra,  under  the  body  of  which  it  branches 
into  four  large  arterial  trunks.  Prior  to  this  division, 
the  abdominal   aorta  gives   off   the  coeliac   aitery,  which   is 


DISTRIBUTION    OF     THE    ARTERIES.  119 

nothing  more  than  the  common  root  of  the  splenic,  gastric, 
and  hepatic  —  arteries  that  in  some  instances  have  separate 
origins. 

The  splenic  artery,  after  passing  between  the  stomach  and 
spleen,  ends  in  the  left  gastric  artery.  In  its  course  it  gives 
off  several  branches  to  the  pancreas,  called  pancreatic  ar- 
teries. 

The  gastric  artery,  the  smallest  of  the  coeliac  divisions, 
runs  forward  to  the  small  curvature  of  the  stomach,  between 
the  layers  of  the  omentum,  branching,  before  it  reaches  this 
organ,  into  two  vessels,  called  inferior  and  superior  gastric, 
which  finally  ramify  upon  the  upper  and  under  surface  of  the 
stomach. 

The  hepatic  artery,  the  largest  of  the  coeliac  division,  pro- 
ceeds before  the  pancreas  to  the  right  side  of  the  cavity,  and 
passes  over  the  pyloric  end  of  the  stomach,  and  gives  off 
small  branches  to  the  pancreas.  Near  the  pylorus,  it  sends  a 
branch  to  the  duodenum,  which,  as  soon  as  it  reaches  the 
intestine,  divides  :  one  division  —  the  duodenal —  retrogrades 
along  the  gut,  and  ends  in  anastomosis,  with  branches  com- 
ing from  the  anterior  mesenteric  ;  the  other — the  right  gas- 
tric —  crosses  the  gut,  proceeds  to  the  great  curvature  of  the 
stomach,  where  it  inosculates  with  the  left  gastric.  The 
hepatic  artery  itself  is  continued  forward  to  the  porta  of  the 
liver,  where  it  divides  into  the  right  and  left  hepatic  ;  the 
right,  —  the  larger  and  shorter  one,  —  after  giving  off  a  con- 
siderable branch  to  the  portio  media,  turns  back  to  reach  the 
right  lobe  ;  the  left,  after  giving  off  a  branch  or  two  to  the 
middle  portion,  penetrates  the  left  lobe. 

The  anterior,  or  great  mesenteric,  is  the  next  vessel  to 
the  coeliac,  and  arises  from  the  under  part  of  the  posterior  aor- 
ta. From  its  origin,  it  passes  downward  within  the  layers  of 
the  mesentery,  detaching  some  small  twigs  to  the  pancreas; 
it  then  separates  into  larger  vessels,  (commonly  from  eight  to 
twelve  in  number,)  from  which  are  derived  a  branch  that 
runs  to  the  duodenum ;  several  other  branches  encircle  and 
ramify  on  and  around  the  intestines. 


120  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    ARTERIES. 

The  renal  or  emulgent  arteries  leave  the  aorta  at  right 
angles  just  below  the  preceding  vessel  ;  they  each  pass  into 
the  respective  kidneys,  and  therein  divide  into  branches  that 
penetrate  the  glandular  substance. 

The  spermatic  arteries,  right  and  left,  originate  from  the 
under  part  of  the  aorta;  they  pass  out  of  the  abdomen,  at  the 
abdominal  ring,  to  the  testicles.  In  the  female,  they  pass 
to  the  ovaries,  Fallopian  tubes,  and  horns  of  the  uterus. 

The  posterior  aorta  also  gives  off  the  small  mesenteric,  and 
five  or  six  pairs  of  lumbar  arteries.  Under  the  last  lumbar 
vertebras,  the  aorta  gives  off  two  pairs  of  arterial  trunks,  called 
the  external  and  internal  iliacs. 

The  internal  iliacs  give  off  a  branch  called  the  artery  of  the 
bulb,  and  afterwards  branch  into  three  divisions  —  the  obtura- 
tor, gluteal,  and  lateral  sacral  arteries. 

The  artery  of  the  bulb  passes  to  the  bulb  of  the  penis, 
where  it  terminates.  In  the  female,  this  artery  sends  its  ter- 
minating branches  to  the  vagina.  It  gives  off  the  foetal  um- 
bilical artery.  In  leaving  the  pelvis,  the  prostatic  artery, 
which  detaches  twigs  to  the  vesiculse  seminales,  also  distributes 
its  ultimate  ramifications  to  the  prostate  gland.  It  also  gives 
off  divers  branches,  anal  and  perineal,  to  the  posterior  por- 
tion of  the  rectum,  anus,  and  parts  comprising  the  perineum. 

The  obturator  artery  is  the  lowest  of  the  divisions  of 
the  internal  iliac.  Its  branches  are  the  arteria  innominata,  and 
ramifications  to  the  obturator  muscles  and  ligaments.  Its  di- 
visions are  the  ischiatic,  which  distributes  its  branches  to  the 
triceps  ;  next,  the  pubic  :  the  internal  pubic  artery  gives  two 
sets  of  branches,  which  pass  to  the  penis. 

The  gluteal  artery  is  destined  principally  to  supply  the 
gluteal  muscles. 

The  lateral  sacral  artery,  having  reached  the  coccyx, 
divides  into  two  branches.  It  furnishes  the  sacro-spinal 
branches,  five  or  six  in  number,  and  the  perineal  artery.  It 
soon  divides  into  several  ramifications,  of  which  many  run 
into  the  gluteal  muscles  ;  others  descend  on  the  back  of  the 
thigh,  and  others  are  distributed  to  the  anal  muscles,  and  to  the 


DISTRIBUTION    OF     THE    ARTERIES.  121 

skin  and  cellular  substance  of  the  perineum.  The  lateral 
sacral  also  furnishes  the  lateral  coccygeal,  and  the  inferior 
coccygeal. 

The  external  iliac  artery,  right  and  left,  results  from  a 
branch  of  the  posterior  aorta,  which  takes  place  under  the 
body  of  the  last  of  the  lumbar  vertebras,  and  passes  into  the 
muscles,  forming  the  inside  of  the  thighs.  The  vessel  gives 
off  the  circumflex  artery  of  the  ileum,  the  artery  of  the  cord 
and  the  arteria  profunda :  the  latter  having  reached  the  poste- 
rior quarters,  it  sends  its  ramifications  into  the  biceps.  Be- 
fore this  vessel  dips  into  the  substance  of  the  thigh,  it  gives 
rise  to  a  large  branch,  called  the  epigastic  artery. 

The  epigastic  artery,  in  passing  the  margin  of  the  inter- 
nal ring,  forms  a  branch  which  divides  into  several  small 
arteries ;  of  these  a  twig  runs  to  the  groin,  and  ramifies 
among  the  adipose  membrane  and  absorbent  glands  ;  then 
next,  a  slender  branch  to  the  cremaster,  and  a  subcutaneous 
twig  to  the  thigh,  and  lastly,  the  external  pudic  artery. 

The  femoral  artery.  Regarding  the  profunda  femoris  as  a 
limb  of  the  external  iliac,  we  descend  to  the  femoral  artery,  the 
subsequent  contination  of  the  same  trunk.  This  artery  pro- 
ceeds in  an  oblique  direction  down  the  haunch,  preserving 
nearly  the  line  of  its  middle  ;  opposite  to  the  head  of  the 
tibia,  it  branches  into  the  anterior  and  posterior  tibial  arteries  ; 
the  anterior  tibial  gives  off  the  inguinal  artery,  also  three  or 
four  branches  to  the  sartorius,  and  one  to  the  side  and  front 
of  the  stifle.  Its  posterior  branches  are  a  large  artery  to  the 
gracilis,  (which  detaches  twigs  to  the  long  and  short  heads  of 
the  triceps,)  also  one  to  the  biceps.  At  the  back  of  the  stifle 
come  off  the  popliteal  branches,  four  or  five  in  number, 
taking  opposite  directions,  which  are  destined  for  the  supply 
of  the  joint ;  one  runs  down  upon  the  posterior  tibial  mus- 
cles ;  another  —  the  recurrent  branches  —  climbs  the  back  of 
the  os  femoris,  and  anastomozes  with  the  descending  ramifica- 
tions of  the  profunda  femoris.. 

The  tibial  arteries  are  a  continuation  of  the  femoral  trunk, 
which  branch  off  into  tibial  arteries  at  the  head  of  tibia. 
16 


122  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    ARTERIES. 

The  posterior  tibial  artery,  the  smaller  of  the  two,  passes 
along  the  posterior  deep  region  of  the  thigh,  to  the  hock,  where 
it  ends  in  bifurcation.  Its  branches  are,  one  that,  runs  into  the 
flexor  pedis  ;  another  to  the  upper  and  back  part  of  the  tibia ; 
and  small  twigs  to  both  the  flexors.  There  are  several  ter- 
minating branches,  some  ramifying  subcutaneously,  others 
continuing  down  the  leg  internally  over  the  tendon  of  the 
flexor  pedis,  and  ending  at  the  lower  part  of  the  cannon  in 
divers  small  ramifications. 

The  anterior  tibial  artery,  after  leaving  the  trunk,  passes 
down  the  fore  part  of  the  thigh,  to  the  hock  and  metatarsal 
bone,  where  it  becomes  the  metatarsal  artery. 

The  metatarsal  artery  pursues  its  course  downwards  to 
about  two  thirds  the  length  of  the  leg ;  it  then  gains  the  pos- 
terior part  of  the  latter  ;  a  little  above  the  fetlock,  it  divides 
into  three  vessels  :  one  forms  an  arc,  (as  in  the  fore  extremity,) 
from  which  come  off  the  recurrents,  and  they  anastomoze  with 
the  posterior  tibial  artery  ;  the  lateral  divisions  become  the 
plantar  arteries. 

DISTRIBUTION   OF  VEINS  IN   THE   HORSE. 

The  two  main  venous  trunks,  the  venai  cava,  anterior  and 
posterior,  correspond  to  the  anterior  and  posterior  aortae. 

THE    ANTERIOR    VENA    CAVA 

Forms  the  main  trunk  of  the  veins,  returning  the  blood 
from  the  head,  neck,  chest,  and  fore  extremities.  It  is  prin- 
cipally formed  by  the  concurrent  union  of  the  jugular  and 
axillary  veins,  and  is  situated  at  its  formation  in  the  space  be- 
tween the  two  first  ribs,  about  midway  between  the  sternum 
and  vertebras  ;  it  also  receives  the  pectoral,  vertebral,  dorso- 
cervical,  and  inferior  cervical  veins,  and  the  vena  azygos. 

THE    JUGULAR   VEIN. 

It  passes  behind  the  condyle  of  the  lower  jaw,  under  the 
parotid   gland,    and  joins  the  external    carotid    artery,    and 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    VEINS. 


123 


continues  its  course  down  the  neck  with  the  latter.  It  now 
receives  the  auricular  veins,  anterior  and  posterior,  and  also 
internal.  The  next  is  the  temporal,  the  third  is  the  internal 
maxillary  ;  the  latter  in  its  course  receives  the  blood  of  many 
small  veins,  —  the  palato-maxillary,  infra  and  supra  orbitar, 
ocular,  inferior  maxillary,  and  "deep  temporal ;  the  fourth 
branch,  received  by  the  jugular  vein,  is  the  parotideal,  and 
the  last  branches  from  the  masseter  muscles. 

THE    OCCIPITAL    VEIN 

Descends  from  the  head,  along  with  the  occipital  artery. 
It  brings  blood  from  the  occipital  sinuses,  receives  veins  from 
the  posterior  lobes  of  the  cerebrum  and  cerebellum  ;  also  from 
the  dura  mater. 

The  submaxillary  vein,  a  large  branch  of  the  jugular.  It 
is  formed  upon  the  side  of  the  face  by  the  concurrence  of  the 
facial,  labial,  and  varicose  veins.  It  joins  the  trunk  by  the 
side  of  the  trachea,  just  below  the  parotid  gland.  In  its 
course  it  receives  a  number  of  veins ;  the  principal  are  —  the 
submental,  sublingual,  lingual,  pharyngeal,  and  superior  laryn- 
geal veins.  The  facial  vein  results  from  an  expansion  of 
small  veins  upon  the  side  of  the  face,  one  of  which  is  the 
varicose  from  the  masseter.*  The  labial  vein  is  formed  by  the 
union  of  a  plexus  of  venous  branches,  coming  principally 
from  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  joined  by  others  both  from  the 
upper  and  lower  lips.  The  varicose  vein  is  buried  in  the 
masseter. 

The  jugular  trunk  having  received  the  submaxillary,  pro- 
ceeds down  the  neck,  and  terminates  in  the  anterior  vena 
cava,  within  the  space  between  the  two  first  ribs.  Near  the 
junction  of  the  submaxillary  the  jugular  receives  the  small 
thyroideal,  cutaneous,  muscular,  and  tracheal  veins.  Near  its 
termination  it  receives  a  branch  of  the  superficial  brachial, 
and  plate  or  plat  vein. 

The  vertebral  vein  runs  the  same  course  as  the  artery, 
through  the  foramina,  in  the  transverse  processes  of  the  cer- 
vical vertebrae,  with  the  exception  of  the  last.     This  vein  has 


124  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    VEINS. 

communications  with  the  occipital  sinus  and  posterior  cere- 
bral veins,  medulla  oblongata,  and  spinal  marrow;  it  also 
receives  vessels  from  the  deep-seated  muscles  in  the  vicinity, 
and  ends  in  the  anterior  vena  cava,  just  behind  the  first  rib. 

The  axillary  vein  returns  the  blood  distributed  by  the 
axillary  artery  to  the  various  parts  of  the  fore  extremity  ; 
there  is  a  superficial  and  deep-seated  set  ;  the  former  run 
under  the  skin,  the  latter  among  the  muscles.  The  plantar 
veins  are  an  intricate  network  of  small  veins,  and  cover  the 
foot  with  a  venous  netting.  The  veins  of  the  sole  pour  their 
blood  into  the  veins  of  the  lamina  ;  the  latter  increase  in  size 
towards  the  coronet,  and  gradually  unravel  themselves,  so  as 
to  collect  in  a  great  many  branches;  these  run  upward, 
through  the  substance  of  the  coronary  ligament,  and  form 
the  superficial  coronary  vein ;  from  them  other  branches  pro- 
ceed and  join  the  deep  coronary,  and  afterwards  unite  in  a 
single  vein  opposite  the  pastern  joint. 

The  veins  of  the  frog,  after  ramifying  in  the  form  of  net- 
work over  that  body,  ascend  into  the  heel,  growing  larger  as 
they  leave  the  foot ;  they  make  a  single  branch  at  the  pas- 
tern joint,  then  unite  with  the  vein  coming  from  the  lamina, 
thereby  forming  the  plantar  vein.  The  plantar  vein  ascends, 
unites  with  other  vessels,  and  becomes  metacarpal. 

The  metacarpal  veins,  two  in  number,  result  from  the  union 
of  the  plantar ;  these  veins  pursue  their  course  up  the  leg, 
one  on  either  side,  to  the  back  of  the  knee,  where  they  end 
in  anastomosis.  The  internal  metacarpal  vein  preserves  the 
line  of  the  splint  bone.  These  vessels  receive  in  their  course 
cutaneous  veins  from  the  front  of  the  cannon,  and  one  or  two 
descending  veins  from  the  back  of  the  leg  ;  it  afterwards  forms 
the  deep-seated  veins  of  the  arm. 

The  superficial  brachial  vein  ascends  along  the  inner  side 
of  the  radius  to  the  elbow-joint  ;  here  it  crosses  over  to  the 
front  of  the  biceps  and  pursues  its  ascent  upon  that  muscle 
towards  the  point  of  the  shoulder,  and  then  passes  inward  to 
the  jugular  vein.  In  its  course  to  the  latter,  it  receives  nu- 
merous cutaneous  and  muscular  branches,  communicates  with 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    VEINS.  125 

the  humeral  vein,  and  anastomoses  with  other  veins  of  the 
arm. 

The  radial  veins,  two  in  number,  arise  from  the  junction 
of  the  metacarpal  veins  above  the  knee  ;  they  take  the  course 
of  the  radial  artery,  and  receive  anastomosing  vessels  as  they 
ascend  from  the  ulnar  and  superficial  veins. 

The  ulnar  veins  (with  one  exception)  end  in  the  common 
trunk  of  the  humeral  vein. 

The  humeral  vein  accompanies  the  artery  ;  it  receives  small 
veins  from  the  muscles. 

The  axillary  vein  is  the  continuation  of  the  humeral,  aug- 
mented by  the  accession  of  the  triceps  vein.  Its  branches 
are,  the  subscapular  vein,  and  dorsalis  scapular ;  the  latter 
terminates  about  midway  between  the  chest  and  shoulder. 
The  remaining  branches  of -this  vein  are  the  humeral  thora- 
cic, and  the  external  thoracic  ;  it  also  receives  other  small 
veins,  which  contribute  more  or  less  to  its  volume. 

The  pectoral  vein  runs  the  course  of  the  pectoral  artery. 
It  originates  in  branches  from  the  abdominal  parietes,  con- 
tinues to  receive  accessory  vessels  in  its  course,  and  ascends 
along  the  inner  and  lower  border  of  the  first  rib. 

The  dorso-cervical  vein  consists  of  two  divisions,  ramify- 
ing with  the.  dorsal  and  posterior  cervical  arteries  ;  it  receives 
the  anterior  intercostal  vein. 

The  inferior  cervical  vein  runs  down  the  lower  part  of 
the  neck  in  company  with  the  artery  ;  the  principal  branches 
are  muscular,  though  some  come  from  the  skin  and  absorbent 
glands  in  the  vicinity. 

The  vena  azygos  ends  just  as  the  trunk  opens  into  the 
auricle ;  it  returns  the  blood  from  the  lower  intercostal  veins. 

THE    POSTERIOR    VENA    CAVA. 

This  is  the  corresponding  venous  trunk  to  the  posterior 
aorta,  returning  the  blood  from  the  parietes  of  the  abdomen 
and  pelvis,  the  urinary  and  genital  organs,  and  the  posterior 
extremities.  It  takes  its  course  under  the  bodies  of  the  lum- 
bar vertebra?,  runs  along  the  great  fissure  of  the  liver,  perfo- 


126  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    VEINS. 

rates  the  cordiform  tendon,  and  pursues  its  way  directly  across 
the  cavity  of  the  chest  to  the  lower  part  of  the  right  auricle : 
in  its  passage  it  is  joined  by  the  lumbar  spermatic,  renal, 
hepatic,  and  diaphragmatic  veins. 

The  common  iliac  veins  are  formed  under  the  sacro-iliac, 
symphysis,  by  the  union  of  the  external  and  internal  iliacs ; 
they  receive  a  vein  from  the  psoae  and  iliacus,  circumflex 
vein  of  the  ileum,  middle  sacral,  and  azygos. 

The  ischiatic  vein,  situated  upon  the  side  of  the  pelvic 
cavity,  midway  between  the  external  iliac  and  lateral  sacral 
veins ;  external  and  internal  branches  unite  to  form  it.  The 
internal  comprise  veins  coming  from  the  bladder,  anus,  peri- 
neum, and,  in  the  male,  from  the  bulb  and  prostate  :  in  the 
female,  from  the  vulva  and  body  of  the  vagina.  The  exter- 
nal come  principally  from  the  gluteal  and  obturator  muscles. 

The  lateral  sacral  vein  comes  from  the  tail  formed  by  coc- 
cygeal veins  ;  it  runs  forward  to  the  sacrum,  and  receives  in 
its  course  the  perineal  and  sarco-spinal  branches. 

The  external  iliac  vein  takes  the  same  course  as  the 
artery ;  as  it  departs  from  the  belly,  this  vessel  receives 

The  inguinal  vein,  (coming  from  the  groin,)  also  a  superficial 
or  cutaneous  abdominal  vein,  known  as  the  milk  vein  in  cattle. 

The  femoral  vein  is  the  continuation  of  the  iliac  trunk 
below  the  brim  of  the  pelvis  ;  and  is  the  main  channel  into 
which  the  deep-seated  veins  of  the  hind  extremity  pour  their 
blood.  We  commence  the  description  as  in  the  fore  extremi- 
ties, at  the  leg. 

The  large  metatarsal  vein  ascends  the  canon  by  the  side  of 
the  flexor  tendons,  and  passes  over  the  front  and  inner  part  of 
the  hock ;  it  sends  out  branches,  from  which  result  the 

Anterior  tibial  veins,  Which  run  between  the  tibia  and  fibu- 
la to  the  back  and  lower  part  of  the  os  femoris,  and  then  are 
joined  by  the  posterior  tibial  vein,  and  all  three  unite  to  form 
the  femoral. 

The  posterior  tibial  vein  is  a  continuation  of  the  small 
metatarsal  vein,  and  corresponds  in  size  to  the  small  metacar- 
pal.    It   runs   in   company  with   the  posterior  tibial    artery, 


THE    BRAIN    AND    ITS    APPENDAGES.  127 

receiving  various  muscular  branches  in  its  course,  also  the 
medullary  vein  of  the  tibia. 

The  femoral  vein  results  from  the  two  last  named  vessels; 
runs  behind  the  femoral  artery,  and  ends  in  the  external  iliac 
vein.  It  receives  muscular  veins,  as  well  as  veins  from  the 
stifle  joint,  and  the  medullary  vein  of  the  os  femoris  j  also, 
about  two  thirds  of  its  length  upwards,  it  is  joined  by  the 
saphena  vein. 

The  vena  saphena  major  results  from  the  large  metatarsal 
vein  ;  at  the  hock  it  anastomoses  with  the  anterior  tibial  vein  ; 
it  also  receives  cutaneous  and  muscular  branches  in  its  course. 

The  vena  saphena  minor  springs  from  the  small  metatar- 
sal vein  ;  it  runs  up  the  back  of  the  hock,  over  the  root  of 
the  os  calcis,  and  ultimately  reaches  the  femoral  vein. 

The  vena  porta  circulates  the  blood  through  the  liver,  and 
is  principally  formed  by  the  union  of  the  splenic  and  mesen- 
teric veins. 

THE   BRAIN  AND  ITS  APPENDAGES. 

The  cerebrum,  cerebellum,  and  medulla  oblongata,  and 
medulla  spinalis  are  invested  with  three  membranes  :  the  du- 
ra mater,  pia  mater,  and  tunica  arachnoides.  Of  these  the 
exterior  is  the  dura  mater  :  which,  though  called  a  membrane, 
is  of  a  dense,  tough,  and  inelastic  texture.  It  is  so  firmly 
adherent,  by  means  of  numerous  little  prominences,  to  the 
sutures  of  the  cranium,  that  it  is  difficult  to  separate  them  ; 
this  membrane  is  to  the  internal  cranium  what  the  pericrani- 
um is  externally.  The  inner  surface  of  the  dura  mater  is 
lubricated  by  a  fluid  furnished  by  its  own  blood-vessels. 

The  pia  mater  is  that  membrane  which  closely  envelops  the 
substance  of  the  brain,  and  dips  down  between  its  convolutions, 
and  adheres  to  its  surface  by  numberless  minute  blood-ves- 
sels. It  differs  in  its  appearance  and  texture  from  the  dura 
mater ;  presenting  a  smooth  surface  exteriorly,  but  a  rough 
and  villous  one  next  to  the  brain,  and  being  composed  of  a 
beautiful  network  of  blood-vessels  united  together  by  a  deli- 
cate cellular  tissue. 


128  '      THE    BRAIN    AND    ITS     APPENDAGES. 

The  third  membrane  has  been  compared  to  a  spider's  web, 
in  allusion  to  which  the  name  of  'membrana  arachnoides  has 
been  given  to  it.     It  is  placed  between  the  pia  and  dura  mater. 

The  arteries  which  supply  the  brain  with  blood  are  the 
two  vertebrals,  besides  two  other  branches  called  the  internal 
carotids.  Its  blood  is  returned  from  the  sinuses  of  the  dura 
mater  by  the  vertebral  and  jugular  veins. 

It  is  on  the  supply  of  the  vertebral  arteries,  however,  that 
the  brain  mainly  depends  for  its  supply,  for  if  ligatures  are 
placed  on  these  arteries,  the  animal  dies  ;  whereas,  both  the 
carotids  may  be  tied  without  occasioning  any  apparent  ill 
effects.  If  our  memory  serves  us,  Dr.  J.  C.  Warren,  of  this 
city,  has  performed  the  latter  operation  on  the  human  subject 
with  success. 

In  raising  the  bony  covering  of  the  brain,  we  meet  with 
two  processes,  called  the  falx,  or  longitudinal  process,  and  the 
tentorium,  or  transverse  process.  The  former  resembles  the 
blade  of  a  scythe,  hence  its  name.  These  processes  are 
formed  from  duplicatures  of  the  dura  neater  ;  the  first  descends 
for  a  short  distance  between  the  lobes  of  the  cerebrum.  It  takes 
its  rise  from  the  crista  galli,  and  terminates  on  the  os  occipitis. 

The  tentorium  is  extended  from  the  inner  plate  of  the  os 
occipitis  along  the  sides  of  the  cranium  to  its  base,  whence 
it  may  be  traced  to  the  sphenoid  bone,  and  is  lost  in  the 
common  covering  of  the  dura  mater.  It  is  composed  of  two 
laminae  :  one  is  continuous  with  the  falx :  the  other  forms 
that  portion  of  the  membraue  which  covers  the  cerebellum. 
The  tentorium  is  equally  divided  by  the  falx  into  two  lat- 
eral portions. 

The  sinuses.  —  The  superior,  or  longitudinal  sinus,  runs 
within  the  duplication  of  the  falx,  along  its  superior  border. 

The  two  lateral  sinuses  are  formed  within  the  duplicative 
of  that  part  of  the  tentorium  which  is  attached  to  the  tem- 
poral and  occipital  bones  ;  one  extending  to  the  right,  and 
the  other  to  the  left.  They  receive  veins  both  from  the  cere- 
brum and  cerebellum. 

The  cavernous  sinuses,  so  named   from  the  cavernous  ap- 


THE    BRAIN    AND    ITS    APPENDAGES.  129 

pearance  of  their  interior ;  they  receive  some  important  ner- 
vous trunks  in  their  passage  from  the  brain,  and  for  lodging 
the  terminations  of  the  internal  carotid  arteries.  They  com- 
monly communicate  with  the  sub-occipital  sinus  ;  these  are 
also  of  membranous  formation,  and  are  found  upon  the  cunei- 
form process  of  the  os  occipitis,  running  longitudinally  to  the 
foramen  magnum.  They  receive  veins  from  the  cerebellum 
and  posterior  parts  of  the  cerebrum. 

Cerebrum.  —  The  largest  portion  of  the  cerebral  mass, 
and  that  which  presents  itself  to  our  view  in  raising  the  skull, 
is  the  cerebrum.  It  is  equally  divided  by  a  longitudinal  fis- 
sure along  its  middle,  into  which  the  falx  cerebri  descends  ; 
and  its  divisions,  which  are  symmetrical,  both  internally  and 
externally,  are  denominated  hemispheres. 

Cerebellum.  —  The  cerebellum  is  at  once  distinguished 
from  the  cerebrum  by  its  being  only  one  sixth  the  size  of  the 
latter.  Its  figure  is  irregular  :  it  has  two  oval  ends,  and  its 
lateral  dimensions  exceed  its  longitudinal.  It  is  divided  into 
three  oblong  lobes — a  middle  and  two  lateral. 

Medulla  oblongata,  the  smallest  division  of  the  cerebral 
mass.  It  rests  on  the  cuneifoim  process  of  the  occipital  bone, 
and  is  continued  upward  and  backward  to  the  foramen 
magnum. 

The  upper  surface  of  the  medulla  oblongata  forms,  with 
the  tuber  annulare,  the  floor  of  the  fourth  ventricle. 

Pituaiary  gland,  a  red  body,  of  an  egg  form,  seated  upon 
the  sella  tursica,  within  a  fold  of  the  dura  mater.  It  has 
a  membranous  capsule,  surrounded  by  cellular  adhesions,  by 
which  it  is  firmly  retained  in  its  place. 

Medulla  spinalis. — The  spinal  marrow  is  that  extended 
portion  of  brainlike  substance  which  is  continued  from  the 
posterior  part  of  the  medulla  oblongata  through  the  entire 
length  of  the  spinal  canal.  It  is  enclosed  in  the  same  mem- 
branes that  envelop  the  brain  ;  but,  in  addition  to  them,  the 
superior  ligament  of  the  spine  serves  as  a  covering  and  de- 
fence to  it  below.  To  this,  and  to  the  periosteum  lining  the 
canal,  its  proper  theca  is  loosely  attached  by  cellular,  adipose, 
17 


130  ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES. 

and  gelatinous  matter.  Its  dura  mater  is  derived  from  that 
which  covers  the  brain  :  in  being  continued  through  the  fo- 
ramen magnum,  the  membrane  is  contracted  into  a  cylindrical 
sheath,  which  loosely  encases  the  marrow,  and  is  generally 
described  under  the  denomination  of  theca  vertebralis.  The 
arachnoid  membrane  and  pia  mater  have  the  same  relation  to 
the  marrow  that  the  same  membranes  have  to  the  brain,  of 
which  they  may  be  considered  prolongations. 

ORIGIN  AND  DISTRIBUTION  OF  THE  NERVES. 

The  nerves  being  symmetrical  in  number  and  distribution 
on  either  side  of  the  body,  take  their  origin  in  pairs,  and 
these  pairs  are  numbered,  and  so  distinguished  from  one 
another,  according  to  the  order  in  which  they  arise.  There 
are  forty-six  pairs  of  nerves  ;  ten,  coming  from  the  brain,  are 
distinguished  as  the  cerebral  nerves  ;  thirty-six,  from  the 
spinal  marrow,  denominated  the  spinal  nerves. 

CEREBRAL      NERVES. 

First  pair,  or  olfactory  nerves,  arise  from  the  corpora  straita, 
along  the  posterior  borders  of  which  bodies  the  medullary 
bands  or  roots  of  them  may  be  traced  as  high  up  as  the  mid- 
dle lobes  of  the  cerebrum.  These  are  the  largest  of  the  cere- 
bral nerves,  are  bulbous  at  their  origin,  pulpy  in  texture,  and 
exhibit,  when  cut  into,  comparatively  to  their  size,  large 
cavities,  which  are  walled  in  by  a  layer  of  medullary  matter, 
enclosed  within  a  thinner  one  of  cortical  substance. 

Second  pair,  or  optic  nerves,  arise  from  the  thalamia  nervo- 
rum. They  leave  the  cranium  through  the  optic  foramen, 
and  pass  to  enter  the  globe  of  the  eye,  within  the  interior  of 
which  it  expands,  and  forms  the  retina.  In  its  whole  course, 
it  is  enclosed  within  a  sheath  prolonged  from  the  dura  mater. 

Third  pair,  or  motores  oculorum,  take  their  origin  by  sev- 
eral filaments,  from  the  inward  parts  of  the  crura  cerebri. 
The  trunk  of  the  nerve  first  runs  obliquely  outward,  across 
the  back  of  the  crus,  then  turns  downward  and  enters  the 


ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES.  131 

cavernous  sinus,  on  through  the  foramen  lacerum-orbitale. 
In  entering  the  cavity,  the  nerve  divides  into  two  branches. 
The  smaller  is  generally  received  by  the  levator  oculi.  The 
larger  branch  subdivides  into  several  others  ;  the  longest  of 
these  runs  round  the  eyeball,  and  penetrates  the  oblique  mus- 
cle. Two  or  three  others  run  to  the  abductor  and  depressor 
muscles. 

Fourth  pair  of  pathetic.  These  take  a  filamentous  origin, 
and  pass  the  border  of  the  tentorium,  entering  the  cavernous 
sinus,  from  thence  to  the  orbit.  Its  destination  is  the  supe- 
rior oblique  muscle  of  the  eye. 

Fifth  pair,  or  par  trigeminum.  These  are  the  largest  nerves 
of  the  brain.  They  take  their  origin  by  filaments  from  the 
crura  cerebelli,  and  pierce  the  dura  mater.  Each  nerve  ap- 
pears to  form  a  ganglion  ;  from  this  ganglion,  we  say  that 
three  nerves  depart :  one  is  called  the  ophthalmic  ;  the  second, 
the  anterior  maxillary  ;  the  third  is  the  posterior  maxillary 
nerve.  The  ophthalmic  nerve  is  the  smallest  of  the  three 
divisions ;  as  it  emerges  from  the  orbit,  it  divides  into  three 
branches,  called  the  lachrymal,  the  super-orbitar,  and  the 
lateral  nasal  branch. 

The  second  division,  or  anterior  maxillary  nerve,  leaves  the 
cranium  through  the  hole,  called  foramen  rotundum,  of  the 
sphenoid  bone,  and  takes  its  passage  through  the  inferior  orbi- 
tal canal,  whence  it  emerges,  covered  by  the  levator  labii 
superior,  upon  the  face  ;  here  it  splits  into  several  large 
branches,  denominated  the  facial  nerves.  But  prior  to  its 
entering  this  canal,  it  detaches  several  important  branches  to 
the  eyelid,  lachrymal  duct  ;  aj^o  several  long  filaments  which 
descend  on  the  tuberosity  of  the  anterior  maxilla,  penetrate 
the  bone,  and  furnish  twigs  to  the  antrum,  and  the  two  supe- 
rior molar  teeth.  The  largest  branch  is  the  spheno-palatine, 
or  lateral  nasal  nerve,  to  which  the  foramen  spheno-palatine 
gives  passage  into  the  nose,  wherein  it  divides  into  two  sets 
of  filaments.  One  of  these  is  spread  over  the  lateral  parietes 
of  the  nasal  cavity  ;  the  other  ramifies  over  the  sinuses,  and 
sends  a  filament  to  the  lower  border  of  the  septum.     A  branch 


132  ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES. 

also  goes  to  the  velum  palati,  and  another  branch  accompanies 
the  palatine  blood-vessels,  and  ramifies  over  the  soft  palate. 

The  facial  branches  of  this  division  terminate  on  the  front 
and  sides  of  the  face,  and  receive  communicating  filaments 
from  the  anterior  facial  branch  of  the  portio  dura,  and  with 
them  form  a  plexus. 

The  third  division,  the  posterior  maxillary  nerve,  gives  off 
a  branch  which  runs  up  in  front  of  the  parotid  gland,  and 
joins  the  portio  dura  ;  also  branches  called  the  buccal  nerve, 
pterygoideus,  and  gustatory.  The  latter  descends  by  the  side 
of  the  tongue,  penetrates  that  organ  about  its  middle,  and 
vanishes  in  its  tip.  It  also  sends  ramifications  to  the  roots 
of  the  incisive  teeth,  and  to  the  under  lip. 

Sixth  pair,  or  abducentes,  arise  by  means  of  filaments  from 
the  medulla  oblongata ;  this  nerve  gives  off  two  or  three  fila- 
ments to  the  retractor  oculi  ;  but  its  principal  destination  is 
to  the  abductor,  along  the  fascicula,  of  which  its  ramifications 
are  equally  distributed. 

Seve?ith  pair,  or  auditory  nerves.  —  This  pair  includes  two 
separate  nerves  on  either  side  ;  one,  from  its  remarkable  soft- 
ness, is  denominated  the  portio  mollis  ;  the  other,  in  contra- 
distinction, the  portio  dura.  The  portio  mollis  enters  the 
organ  of  hearing,  and  is  distributed  to  the  labyrinth. 

The  pofetio  dura  arises  from  the  medulla  oblongata,  and 
passes  to  the  internal  part  of  the  ear,  the  tympanum  and 
eustachian  tube.  It  is  also  distributed  to  the  temples,  eye- 
lids, nose,  lips,  cheek,  and  neck. 

Eighth  pair,  or  par  vagum.  —  At  its  commencement  it 
consists  of  two  separate  portions  ;  the  first  called  the  glosso- 
pharyngeal nerve,  and  the  second  the  true  par  vagum.  They 
arise  from  the  corpora  olivaria,  and  make  their  exit  through 
the  base  of  the  cranium.  The  glosso-pharyngeus  gives  off 
branches,  which  join  the  portio  dura,  to  the  constrictors  of 
the  pharynx,  and  form  branches  which  ramify  in  the  base  of 
the  tongue. 

The  proper  par  vagum,  having  disunited  from  the  glosso- 
pharyngeal  nerve,  proceeds  downwards  to  join  the  carotid 


ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES. 


133 


artery,  and  takes  its  course  along  the  neck  to  the  chest.  Its 
filaments  are  —  1.  To  the  cervical  ganglion.  2.  The  pharyn- 
geal branch,  whose  filaments  pass  to  the  oesophagus  and 
larynx.  3.  Two  slender  branches  to  the  carotid  artery, 
which  form  a  plexus.     4.   The  laryngeal  branch. 

At  the  back  part  of  the  neck  the  par  vagum  inclines  up- 
wards, and  is  found  above  the  carotid  artery  ;  it  then  passes 
between  the  two  first  ribs,  into  the  chest.  Having  entered 
the  thoracic  cavity,  it  runs  within  the  superior  mediastinum ; 
the  right  nerve  adheres  to  the  trachea,  crosses  above  the  root 
of  the  right  lung,  alongside  of  the  oesophagus,  and  gains  the 
under  side  of  that  tube  before  it  leaves  the  chest.  On  the 
left  side  the  nerve  accompanies  the  anterior  aorta,  and  crosses 
the  root  of  the  posterior  aorta,  and  also  reaches  the  oesopha- 
gus. Its  branches  within  the  chest  are  filaments  to  the 
tracheal  and  cardiac  plexuses  ;  also,  a  branch  called  the  recur- 
rent nerve  :  branches  to  the  pulmonary  plexus,  and  also  two 
cords  that  branch  out  and  penetrate  the  walls  of  the  auricles. 
The  recurrent  nerve  of  the  left  side  originates  from  the  par 
vagum,  by  the  side  of  the  anterior  aorta,  and  coils  round  the 
root  of  the  posterior  aorta. 

The  recurrent  nerve,  so  denominated  from  its  retrograde 
course,  passes  upwardly  and  outwardly,  and  is  found  between 
the  carotid  artery  and  the  trachea;  having  reached  the  top  of 
the  latter,  it  spreads  into  fine  terminating  branches,  several 
of  which  run  to  the  muscles  of  the  larynx  and  thyroid  carti- 
lage, and  end  in  ramifications  upon  the  membrane  of  the 
glottis.  Its  branches  are  filaments  to  the  pulmonary  plexus, 
cardiac  plexus,  posterior  cervical  ganglion,  and  branches  to 
the  oesophagus  and  trachea. 

The  par  vagum  runs  to  the  stomach.  The  left  nerve  sends 
filaments  to  the  heart,  and  others  along  the  small  curvature, 
which  communicates  with  the  ramifications  of  the  right  nerve  ; 
the  other  crosses  to  the  left  side,  and  joins  the  great  semi- 
lunar ganglion.  The  right  nerve,  as  soon  as  it  reaches  the 
heart,  divides  into  numerous  branches,  which  join  the  left, 
and  spread  their  ramifications  upon  the  under  part  of   the 


134  ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES. 

heart ;  some  run  to  the  pylorus,  and  others  join  the  hepatic 
plexus. 

Accessor!/  nerves  to  the  eighth.  —  These  nerves  are  con- 
sidered as  accessory  to  the  eighth,  in  consequence  of  their 
being  found  in  close  connection  in  issuing  from  the  cranium  ; 
it  originates  in  the  vertebral  canal,  by  the  union  of  several 
filaments.  In  its  course  into  the  cranium  it  receives  many 
other  fine  threads,  and  in  that  cavity  joins  the  par  vagum. 
Beneath  the  atlas,  the  accessory  nerve  divides ;  the  front  di- 
vision runs  downward,  and  penetrates  the  belly,  transmitting 
side  twigs  in  its  course.  The  posterior  division  turns  round 
the  transverse  process  of  the  atlas  to  the  scapula,  near  which 
it  is  lost  in  muscular  substance.  The  branches  of  the  acces- 
sory pass  to  the  par  vagum,  anterior  cervical  ganglion,  and 
communicate  with  the  sub-occipital  nerve. 

Ninth  pair,  or  linguales,  arise  behind  the  eighth  pair,  from 
the  corpora  olivaria ;  it  is  found  in  company  with  the  par 
vagum,  near  the  coranoid  process.  The  nerve  passes  down 
the  lower  jaw,  between  the  muscles  forming  the  root  of  the 
tongue,  and  ends  in  the  tip  of  the  latter.  It  sends  branches 
to  the  lingual  muscles,  and  to  the  hyo-glossus  longus. 

Tenth  pair,  or  sub-occipital  nerves.  —  They  arise  from  the 
medulla  oblongata,  and  beginning  of  the  spinal  marrow ; 
they  pass  out  through  a  hole  in  the  fore  part  of  the  body  of 
the  atlas.  It  then  branches  into  a  superior  and  inferior  divis- 
ion. The  superior  is  distributed  to  the  extensor  muscles  of 
the  head  and  neck.  The  inferior  branch  goes  to  the  trachea, 
lymphatic  glands,  and  muscles  of  the  neck. 

CERVICAL    NERVES. 

These  consist  of  seven  pairs,  originating  from  the  cervical 
portion  of  the  spinal  marrow.  Each  nerve,  as  soon  as  it 
issues  from  the  spinal  canal,  forms  two  nervous  filaments,  one 
superior,  the  other  inferior. 

The  first  cervical  nerve  makes  its  exit  between  the  first 
and  second  cervical  vertebras.  It  sends  branches  to  different 
muscles,  and  communicates  with  the 


ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES.  135 

Second  cervical  nerve,  which  makes  its  appearance  between 
the  second  and  third  vertebras.  Its  superior  filament  sends 
branches  to  the  muscles  of  the  neck,  and  levator  humeri, 
communicates  with  the  accessory  nerve,  and 

Third  cervical.  This  also  send  branches  and  twigs  to  the 
different  muscles  of  the  neck,  and  communicates  with  the 
fourth. 

The  fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh  pairs  pass  from  the 
spine,  between  their  respective  vertebrae,  and  send  branches 
to  the  phrenic  nerve,  and  ramifications  to  the  muscles,  sym- 
pathetic nerve,  and  unite  with  the  dorsal. 

THE    DIAPHRAGMATIC,    OR    PHRENIC    NERVE. 

This  is  formed  by  branches  from  several  of  the  cervical 
nerves:  It  takes  its  course  down  along  the  inferior  border 
of  the  scalenus  muscle.  It  terminates  by  numerous  ramifi- 
cations on  the  tendinous  parts  of  the  diaphgram. 

DORSAL    NERVES. 

These  consist  of  eighteen  pairs.  They  pass  from  the  ver- 
tebral canal  in  the  same  manner  as  the  cervical,  having  supe- 
rior and  inferior  branches.  The  inferior  branches  follow  the 
course  of  the  intercostal  blood-vessels,  and  are  called  inter- 
costal nerves.  The  superior  branches  are  distributed  to  the 
back  and  loins. 

LUMBAR  NERVES 

Consist  of  five  pairs,  (corresponding  to  the  number  of  the 
lumbar  vertebrae.) 

The  first  nerve  ends  in  ramifications  near  the  stifle,  and 
gives  off  branches  to  the  last  dorsal  nerve,  to  the  sympathetic, 
and  to  the  second  lumbar  nerve. 

The  second  nerve  has  communication  with  the  first  nerve, 
and  sympathetic  ;  also  the  crural.  It  sends  one  division  to 
the  fore  part  of  the  haunch,  where  it  becomes  sub-cutaneous, 
and  ramifies  over  the  stifle.     The  other  division  crosses  the 


136  ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE     NERVES. 

ilio-lumbar  artery,  just  below  its  origin,  and  takes  nearly  a 
similar  course  to  the  inward  part  of  the  haunch,  and  then 
ramifies  upon  the  skin  ;  in  its  way  it  detaches  a  considerable 
branch,  called  the  spermaticus  externus,  which  passes  through 
the  abdominal  ring,  and  sends  twigs,  in  the  male,  to  the  scro- 
tum and  testicle  ;  in  the  female,  filaments  go  from  it  to  the 
uterus,  u.d(ier,  and  external  labia. 

The  third  nerve  contributes  to  form  the  crural  and  obtura- 
tor. It  sends  small  branches  to  the  sympathetic,  psoas,  and 
obturator  nerves. 

The  fourth  nerve  sends  a  branch  to  the  sympathetic,  con- 
tributes to  the  production  of  the  crural  j  and  also  sends  a 
branch  to  the  obturator. 

The  fifth  nerve  communicates  with  the  sympathetic,  cru- 
ral, and  sciatic  plexus. 

SACRAL    NERVES 

Consist  of  five  pairs ;  a  superior  and  inferior  fascicula.  The 
superior  make  their  exit  through  holes  upon  the  upper  part 
of  the  sacrum,  and  are  there  buried  under  a  thick  mass  of 
muscle,  and  become  cutaneous  upon  the  outer  part  of  the 
haunch. 

The  inferior  fascicula.  The  first  nerve  largely  contrib- 
utes to  the  origin  of  the  sciatic  plexus,  and  sends  a  branch  to 
the  gluteal  nerve  ;  also  to  the  sympathetic  and  second  lum- 
bar nerves.  The  second  nerve  communicates  with  the  third 
and  sympathetic,  and  sends  branches  to  the  surrounding 
muscles  and  sciatic  plexus.  The  third  and  fourth  have  simi- 
lar connections.     The  fifth  passes  into  the  coccygeal  muscles. 

COCCYGEAL    NERVES. 

These  issue  from  the  spine,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  last 
described.  They  communicate  with  one  another,  are  dis- 
tributed to  muscles  in  the  vicinity,  and  end  in  filamentous 
ramifications  at  the  end  of  the  tail. 


ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE     NERVES.  137 

NERVES    OF    THE    FORE    EXTREMITY. 

The  fore  extremity  receives  its  nerves  from  the  axillary  or 
humeral  plexus,  and  this  plexus  is  formed  by  the  union  of 
portions  of  the  sixth  and  seventh  cervical  nerves,  and  a  divis- 
ion of  the  first  dorsal  nerve. 

The  external  thoracic  nerves,  six  or  seven  in  number,  arise 
from  the  humeral  plexus,  and  are  distributed  to  the  pec- 
toral, triceps,  and  other  muscles  ;  they  finally  ramify  into  the 
skin. 

The  scapular  nerves  are  called  anterior,  posterior,  and  sub- 
scapular. The  former  sends  its  ultimate  filaments  to  the 
triceps. 

The  posterior  scapular  nerve  sends  branches  to  the  sub- 
scapulars, triceps,  teres  minor,  and  shoulder  joint,  and  ends 
in  the  insertion  of  the  levator  humeri. 

The  subscapular  nerves  run  upward  between  the  shoulder 
and  chest,  and  enter  the  subscapalaris. 

The  spiral  or  external  cutaneous  nerve  is  furnished  by  the 
axillary  plexus  ;  arises  behind  the  humeral  artery,  and  passes 
between  the  os  humeri  and  the  head  of  the  triceps,  through 
the  extensors,  to  the  external  flexors  of  the  cannon.  It  gives 
off  several  branches  to  the  triceps,  ramifies  on  the  fore  and 
outward  part  of  the  knee,  and  sends  branches  to  the  heads  of 
the  extensor  muscles. 

The  radial  nerve  descends  with  the  humeral  artery  to  the 
inward  side  of  the  elbow  joint,  and  runs  along  the  back  part 
of  the  radius  to  the  knee  ;  passing  under  the  annular  liga- 
ment, it  descends  to  the  leg,  and  takes  the  name  of  the  inter- 
nal metacarpal  nerve.  It  gives  off  numerous  twigs  to  the 
muscles,  and  finally  becomes  subcutaneous. 

The  ulnar  nerve  originates  from  the  humeral  plexus.  It 
passes  down  the  radius,  under  the  annular  ligament,  to  the 
tendo  perforans,  and  there  becomes  the  external  metacarpal 
nerve.  It  gives  off  internal  cutaneous  and  subcutaneous 
branches,  ramifies  into  cellular  substance,  penetrates  the 
heads  of  the  flexors,  and  finally  disperses  its  ramifications  in 
front  of  the  leg. 
18 


138  ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES. 

The  metacarpal  nerves  continue  down  the  leg,  over  the 
fetlcck  joint,  where  they  become  the  plantar  nerves ;  these 
pursue  their  course  behind  their  corresponding  blood-vessels  to 
the  back  part  of  the  foot,  which  they  penetrate  to  the  inner 
sides  of  the  lateral  cartilages. 

The  plantar  nerve  detaches  a  branch  from  the  fetlock  to 
the  lateral  cartilage  ;  another  passes  to  the  fatty  frog,  yhe 
final  branch  enters  a  hole  in  the  back,  and  lower  part  of  the 
coffin  bone,  in  company  with  the  plantar  artery,  and  there 
divides  and  distributes  its  ultimate  branches  around  the 
edges  of  the  sole. 

NERVES    OF    THE    HIND    EXTREMITY. 

The  crural  nerve  is  derived  partly  from  the  second,  third, 
fourth,  and  fifth  lumbar  nerves.  It  makes  its  appearance 
under  the  transverse  process  of  the  loins,  and  proceeds  in  a  line 
with  the  external  iliac  artery.  It  gives  off  filaments  to  the 
psoas  magnus,  iliacus,  rectus,  and  vastus  interims  muscles. 
It  also  gives  off  cutaneous  filaments  :  one  runs  to  the  stifle, 
and  ends  in  ramifications  upon  the  fore  part  of  the  thigh.  The 
other  continues  down  the  leg,  and  can  be  traced  as  low  as  the 
fetlock. 

The  obturator  nerve,  contributed  to  by  third  and  fourth 
lumbar  nerves,  sweeps  round  the  brim  of  the  pelvis,  and 
detaches  twigs  to  the  obturator  muscles.  Its  ultimate  fila- 
ments are  expended  on  the  triceps  and  gracilis. 

The  gluteal  nerve,  after  leaving  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis, 
accompanies  the  gluteal  artery,  and  passes  into  the  substance 
of  the  gluteal  muscles. 

The  sciatic  nerve  derives  its  origin  from  the  sacral  and  last 
of  the  lumbar  nerves ;  after  leaving  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis, 
passes  between  the  hip  joint  and  the  tuberosity  of  the  ischi- 
um, and  plunges  into  the  substance  of  the  haunch.  Here  it 
divides  into  branches  called  the  popliteal  nerves.  At  the 
hock  its  principal  branch  separates  into  the  external  and  inter- 
nal metatarsal  nerves  :  the  former  runs  over  the  flexor  pedis 
to  the  os  calcis.     Their  subsequent  course  and  ultimate  distri- 


ORIGIN    AND    DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    NERVES.  139 

bution  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  plantar  nerves  of  the  fore 
extremity.  The  second  popliteal  nerve  passes  between  the 
bellies  of  the  gastrocnemii,  above  the  first,  detaching  twigs 
to  them  in  its  passage,  and  then  spreads  into  many  branches, 
which  penetrate  the  heads  of  the  flexor  muscles  of  the  foot, 
and  sends  filaments  into  the  stifle  joint. 

SYMPATHETIC    NERVE. 

This  nerve  derives  its  name  from  the  universal  influence 
which  it  has  on  the  nervous  system.     It  communicates  with 
the   head,  neck,  chest,  pelvis,  and  abdomen,  by  its  frequent 
intercourse  and  connection  with  their  respective  nerves.     It 
is  supposed  by  some  writers  to  be  a  nervous  system  of  itself. 
It  has,  at  different  distances,  a  great  number  of  gangliform 
tubercles,  from  which  ramifications  proceed  forward,  as  well 
as  filaments  backward,  to   the  ganglia  of  the   nerves  of  the 
medulla  spinalis.     It   is    considered  generally   as    beginning 
from  a   branch  of  the   fifth  and   sixth  pair,  given  off  at  the 
base  of  the  cranium.     The  ganglionic  structures,  and  the  dif- 
ferent plexuses  are  named  from  their  form,  location,  and  distri- 
bution ;    hence  we    have    the  cervical    ganglion,  semilunar, 
sacral,  &c.     From  the  semilunar  ganglion  nervous  filaments 
shoot  in  various  directions,  which,  from  their  being  compared 
to  the  rays  of  the  sun,  are  denominated  the  solar  plexus.    From 
the  divergent  filaments  of  the  latter,  the  several  smaller  plex- 
uses of  the   abdomen  may  be  said  to  derive  their  formation, 
taking  names  according  to  the  viscera  they  are  particularly  de- 
signed to  furnish  with  nerves  ;  hence  we  have  the  splenic 
plexus,  that  sends  filaments  to  the  spleen,  the  hepatic  plexus, 
mesenteric,  aortic,  hypogastric,  and  renal  plexuses.     The  sym- 
pathetic nerve  in  the  abdomen  travels  over  the  sides  of  the 
bodies  of  the  lumbar  vertebrae,  beloAv  the  articulations  of  the 
ribs,  and  pursues  its  course  into   the   pelvis.     Here,  also,  it 
forms  ganglia,  which  correspond  in  number  to  those  of  the 
lumbar  nerves ;  and  from  every  ganglion  come  off  two  fila- 
ments ;  one  which  runs   to  the  corresponding   lumbar  nerve  ; 
the  other  crosses  the  aorta,  and  by  joining  the  aortic  plexus, 


140  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 

communicates  with  nerves  coming  from   the  sympathetic  of 
the  other  side. 

From  the  loins,  the  sympathetic  descends  into  the  pelvis, 
and  takes  its  course  along  the  side  of  the  sacrum,  and  forms 
five  ganglia,  corresponding  to  the  sacral  nerves  ;  it  finally  ter- 
minates by  forming  a  union  with  its  fellow. 


ORIGIN,  INSERTION,  AND   USE  OF  THE  DIFFERENT 
MUSCLES  OF  THE  HORSE. 

TRAPEZIUS, 

Or  triangular  muscle,  is  in  the  region  of  the  withers. 

Origin.  —  From  the  processes  of  several  dorsal  vertebras, 
and  from  the  fascia  covering  them.  Its  fleshy  fibres  pass  over 
the  shoulder  bone,  and  there  unite  in  a  tendon. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  spine  of  the  scapula. 

Use.  —  It  elevates  the  shoulder  blade,  and  inclines  it 
backward. 

LATISMUS    DORSI. 

Origin.  —  By  a  broad  expansion  over  the  posterior  part  of 
the  back  and  loins.  Its  fleshy  fibres  appear  upon  a  level  with 
the  top  of  the  shoulder  bone,  and  converge,  in  their  course 
downwards  and  forwards,  over  the  ribs,  to  which  they  are 
loosely  attached. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  inner  and  upper  part  of  the  os 
humeri. 

Use.  —  To  draw  that  bone  backwards  and  upwards. 

RHOMBOIDEUS    BREVIS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  dorsal  spines.  In  passing  downwards 
to  the  scapula,  it  unites  with  the  longus. 

Insertion.  — Into  the  costa  of  the  shoulder  bone. 
Use.  — To  draw  the  shoulder  bone  directly  upwards. 


OF    THE    DIFFERENT    MUSCLES.  141 

RHOMBOIDEUS     LONGTJS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  side  of  the  subrlavum,  near  its 
attachment  to  the  second  cervical  vertebra. 

Insertion  and  Use.  —  The  same  as  the  last  described 
muscle. 

LEVATOR   HUMERI. 

Origin.  —  From  the  tubercle  of  the  occiput,  and  mastoid 
process  of  the  temporal  bone  ;  also  from  the  transverse  process 
of  the  atlas,  and  third  and  fourth  cervical  vertebras. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  fascia  covering  the  muscles  of  the 
shoulder  blade  :  thence  it  is  continued  down  tq,  the  body  of 
the  os  humeri. 

Use.  —  To  raise  and  draw  forwards  the  shoulder.  When 
both  muscles  act,  they  depress  the  head. 

MUSCLES   OF  THE  NECK. 

SPLENIUS. 

Origin.  —  By  tendinous  fibres,  and  fleshy  ones  between 
the  occipital  bone  and  the  fifth  dorsal  spine. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  transverse  processes  of  the  six  lower 
cervical  vertebras  ;  also  into  the  atlas  and  mastoid  process  of 
the  temporal  bone. 

Use.  —  To  erect  and  uphold  the  head  when  the  pair  act : 
one  contracting  alone  will  incline  those  parts  to  one  side. 

COMPLEXUS    MAJOR. 

Origin.  —  By  short  tendinous  slips,  from  the  spines  of  the 
four  or  five  anterior  dorsal  vertebras  ;  also  from  the  same  pro- 
cesses of  the  lower  five  cervical. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  tubercle  of  the  occipital  bones,  by 
the  side  of  the  ligamentum  subrlavum. 

Use.  —  To  erect  the  head. 


142  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 

COMPLEXUS    MINOR. 

Origin.  —  From  the  spinous  process  of  the  vertebra  dentata. 
Insertion.  —  Along  with  the  oomplexus  major. 
Use.  —  To  assist  that  muscle  in  erecting  the  head. 

RECTUS    CAPITIS    POSTICUS    MAJOR.  ■ 

Origin.  —  From  the  spine  of  the  vertebra  dentata. 
Insertion.  —  Into  the  occipital  bone. 
Use.  —  To  pull  the  head  backwards. 

RECTUS    CAPITIS    POSTIBUS    MINOR. 

Origin.  —  From  the  body  of  the  atlas. 

Insertion.  — Along  with  the  last-described  muscle. 

Use.  —  To  raise  the  head. 

OBLIQUUS    CAPITIS    SUPERIOR. 

Origin.  —  From  the  superior  border  of  the  transverse  pro- 
cess of  the  atlas. 

Insertion.  — Into  a  ridge  extending  from  the  occipital 
tubercle. 

Use.  —  When  both  act,  to  assist  in  pulling  up  the  head ; 
singly  contracting,  they  will  turn  it  to  one  side. 

OBLIQUUS    CAPITIS    INFERIOR. 

Origin.  — From  the  spine  of  the  vertebra  dentata. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  superior  parts  of  the  transverse  pro- 
cess and  body  of  the  atlas. 

Use.  —  When  both  contract,  the  atlas,  and  the  head  with 
it,  will  be  raised.     It  also  gives  a  rotary  motion  to  the  head. 

SPINALIS    COLLI. 

Origin.  —  From  the  anterior  oblique  processes  of  the 
curved  vertebras,  and  from  that  of  the  first  dorsal,  by  tendi- 
nous and  fleshy  slips. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  spines  of  the  cervical  vertebras,  with 
the  exception  of  the  atlas.  * 

Use.  —  To  elevate  the  head,  and  flex  the^ieck  backwards. 


OP    THE    DIFFERENT    MUSCLES.  143 


ANTERIOR  CERVICAL  REGION. 

STERNO-MAXILLARIS. 

Origin.  —  Fleshy  and  tendinous,  from  the  cartilage  project- 
ing in  front  of  the  sternum.  Its  belly  is  compact,  rounded, 
and  of  inconsiderable  breadth  in  comparison  to  its  length. 
About  three  fourths  of  its  length  upwards,  it  terminates  in  a 
flat  tendon,  which  insinuates  itself  between  the  parotid  and 
submaxillary  glands. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  angle  of  the  posterior  jaw. 

Use.  —  To  draw  the  head  towards  the  chest.  They  also 
assist  the  occipito-maxillaris  in  opening  the  mouth. 

STERNO-THYRO-HYOIDEUS. 

These  muscles  are  said  to  clothe  the  upper  and  front  parts 
of  the  trachea. 

Origin.  —  From  the  front  cartilage  of  the  sternum,  above 
the  sterno-maxillaris. 

Insertion.  —  The  main  part  of  this  muscle,  having  crossed 
the  front  of  the  larynx,  is  inserted  into  the  neck  or  spur  of 
the  body  of  the  os  hyoides.  A  small  tendon  is  also  fixed  in 
the  lower  border  of  the  thyroid  cartilage. 

Use.  —  To  draw  the  os  hyroides,  and  larynx  with  it,  down- 
wards and  backwards. 

SCALENUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  middle  of  the  first  rib. 
Insertion.  —  Into  the  bodies  and  transverse  processes  of  the 
fifth  and  sixth  cervical  vertebrae. 
Use.  —  To  straighten  the  neck. 

RECTUS    CAPITIS   ANTICUS    MAJOR,  MINOR,  OBLIQUE,  AND   LONGUS    COLLI, 

Are  all  inserted  into  the  occipital  region,  and  assist  in  flex- 
ing and  bending  the  head.  The  latter  muscle,  in  addition  to 
its  insertion  into  the  body  of  the  atlas,  is  also  inserted  into 
the  transverse  processes  of  the  six  posterior  cervical  vertebras. 


144  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 


MUSCLES   OF  THE  HEAD. 

Epicranius  and  Temporalis.  Mr.  Percival  writes,  "  These 
are  the  only  two  that  can  be  considered  as  cranial  muscles." 
The  former  is  expanded  over  the  os  frontis.  Its  origin  is 
almost  imperceptible.  It  raises  the  upper  eyelid.  The  tem- 
poralis occupies  the  side  of  the  skull,  and  is  demonstrable  in 
the  living  horse. 

Origin.  —  From  the  temporal  bones,  and  the  fascia  cover- 
ing it. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  coronoid  process  of  the  lower  jaw. 

Use.  —  To  shut  the  mouth. 

AURAL    REGIOr 

As  these  muscles  are  not  so  important  as  others  we  shall 
enumerate,  we  merely  name  them.  Attollentes  aurem  con- 
sists of  four  muscles,  viz.,  the  attollens  maximus,  minimus, 
inferior,  and  superior.  These  muscles  all  cooperate  in  the 
erection  of  the  ears. 

THE  PROPER  MUSCLES  OF  THE  CONCHA 

Are  the  anterior  conchas,  rectus,  oblique,  and  internal  con- 
chas. The  first  three  assist  in  the  erection  of  the  ears.  The 
internal  conchas  rotates  the  ear  backwards. 

RETRAHENTES    AUREM. 

These  are  the  retrahens  superior,  inferior,  and  medius. 
They  retract  and  rotate  the  ears. 

FACIAL    REGION. 

The  muscles  in  this  region  are  numerous,  and  some  of 
them  complicated. 

ZYGOMATICUS. 

A  long  slender  muscle  traversing  the  cheek. 
Origin.  —  By  tendinous  fibres,  from  the  lower  edge  of  the 
zygomatic  process  of  the  os  malas. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  angle  of  the  mouth. 


OF    THE    DIFFERENT    MUSCLES.  145 

Use.  —  To  extend  this  angle,  by  drawing  it  upwards  and 
backwards. 

LEVATOR   ANGULI    ORIS. 

Upon  the  fore  part  of  the  cheek. 

Use.  —  To  retract  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  assist  in  the 
elevation  of  the  upper  lip,  and  dilate  the  nostril. 

RETRACTOR   LABII    SUPERIORIS. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  side  of  the  upper  lip,  and  lower  part 
of  the  nostril. 

Use.  —  To  retract  those  parts,  and  thus  assist  in  raising  the 
upper  lip,  and  dilating  the  nostril. 

LEVATOR    LABII    SUPERIORIS. 

Use.  —  To  raise  the  upper  lip  and  dilate  the  false  nostrils. 
If  one  contracts,  the  lip  will  be  distorted. 

BUCCINATOR. 

Origin.  —  From  the  lower  jaw. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  buccal  membrane,  and  into  the  angle 
of  the  mouth. 

Use.  —  To  contract  the  jaws,  and  retain  the  food  for  mas- 
tication. 

ORBICULARIS    ORIS. 

The  use  of  this  muscle  is  to  close  the  lips. 

DEPRESSOR   LABII    SUPERIORIS. 

Use.  —  To  depress  the  lip,  and  project  it  forwards,  and  to 
assist  in  dilating  the  nostril. 

LEVATOR   LABII    INFERIORIS. 

Use.  — -  To  raise  the  lip,  and  project  it  forwards. 

HYOIDEAL    REGION 

Comprehends  the  digastricus,  mylo-hyoideus,  genio-hyoi- 
deus,  and  hyoideus  muscles. 
19 


146  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 

Use.  —  They  are  more  or  less  engaged  in  moving  the  os 
hyoideus  in  different  directions. 

GLOSSAL    REGION. 

These  muscles,  by  their  union,  compose  that  fleshy  body 
called  the  tongue. 

They  are  named  genio-hyo-glossus,  hyo-glossus  longus, 
hyo-glossus  brevis,  and  lingualis. 

MAXILLARY   REGION 

Comprehends  three  strong  and  well-defined  muscles. 

1.  The  masseter. 

Origin.  —  From  the  under  part  of  the  zygomatic  arch,  and 
from  the  superior  maxillary  bone. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  rough  border,  around  the  angle  of  the 
jaw. 

Use.  —  To  act,  in  conjunction  with  the  temporalis,  in  the 
elevation  of  the  jaw. 

2.  The  stylo-maxillaris.  A  round  and  compact  muscle, 
found  above  and  behind  the  jaw. 

Origin.  —  From  the  styloid,  or  coronoid  process. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  angle  of  the  jaw. 

Use.  —  To  pull  the  jaw  backwards,  and  depress  it. 

3.  The  pterygoid eus.-  It  takes  the  same  course  inwardly, 
to  what  the  masseter  does  outwardly. 

Use.  —  To  close  the  jaws.  It  also  gives  a  lateral  motion 
to  the  jaws. 

PHARYNGEAL    REGION 

Comprehends  six  pairs  of  muscles,  belonging  to  the 
pharynx.     They  are  named  as  follows :  — 

Hyo-pharyngeus,        Constrictor  pharyngeus  inferior. 

Palato-pharyngeus,  "  "  superior. 

Stylo-pharyngeus,  "  "  medius. 

Use.  —  To  dilate  and  contract  the  pharynx. 


OF    THE    DIFFERENT    MUSCLES.  147 

MUSCLES   OF  THE  TRUNK. 
PECTORAL    REGION. 

The  pectoral  muscles  constitute  the  breast. 

They  are  named  —  Pectoralis  transversus, 
Pectoralis  magnus, 

Pectoralis  parvus,  (or  Depressor  scapu- 
lar.) 

The  first  is  inserted  into  the  fascia  of  the  arm,  extending 
from  the  elbow  nearly  half  way  down  to  the  knee.  It  con- 
fines the  arm  to  the  side  in  its  motions. 

The  magnus  originates  from  the  sternum,  is  inserted  into 
the  os  humeri,  and  serves  to  pull  the  point  of  the  shoulder 
backwards. 

The  parvus,  or  depressor,  originates  from  the  inferior  part 
of  the  sternum,  is  inserted  into  the  muscles  covering  the 
shoulder  joint,  and  assists  the  last  named  muscle. 

COSTAL    REGION. SERRATUS    MAGNUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  bodies  and  transverse  processes  of  the 
fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh  cervical  vertebras  j  and  from 
the  eight  anterior  true  ribs,  as  low  down  as  their  cartilage. 

Insertion.  — By  strong  fascicula,  into  the  upper  and  inward 
part  of  the  scapula. 

Use.  —  It  constitutes  the  main  attachment  of  the  scapula 
to  the  trunk,  and  is  more  or  less  concerned  in  all  the  motions 
of  the  shoulder  blade. 

The  costal  muscles  are  —  Superficial  costarum, 

Transversalis  costarum, 
Intercostalis  externi, 
"  interni. 

They  are  all,  more  or  less,  concerned  in  dilating  the  thorax. 

STERNAL    REGION 

Comprehends  two  small  muscles  that  are  employed  in  the 
contraction  of  the  chest,  or  raising  the  sternum,  and  con- 
tracting the  cartilages. 

They  are  named  lateralis  sterni,  and  sterno-costalis  externi. 


148  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND   USE 

DORSAL    REGION. 

These  muscles  are  connected  with  the  vertebras  of  the  back, 

LONGISSIMUS     DORSI. 

Origin.  —  From  the  six  posterior  dorsal  spines,  and  by 
lumbar  fascia,  and  from  the  crest  of  the  ileum. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  posterior  angles  of  the  ribs,  viz.,  the 
twelve  last  ribs,  and  three  or  four  hindermost  cervical  vertebrae, 
and  all  the  dorsal. 

Use.  —  The  motions  of  the  back  and  loins  are  mainly 
produced  by  it.    It  is  a  principal  agent  in  kicking  and  rearing. 

SPINALIS    DORSI,    AND    SEMI-SPINALIS    DORSI. 

These  muscles  are  both  inserted  into  the  dorsal  spines ;  the 
former  is  also  attached  to  three  or  four  posterior  cervical. 

Use.  —  To  writhe  the  back,  or  bend  the  withers;  to  in- 
cline the  spines  backward,  and  to  cooperate  with  the  longis- 
simus  dorsi. 

LEVATORES    COSTARUM. 

These  are  prominent  bundles  of  fibres,  which  take  a  simi- 
lar course  to  the  intercostalis  externi. 

Use.  —  They  assist  the  intercostalis,  and  contribute  to  the 
elevation  of  the  ribs. 

LUMBAR  REGION. 

SEMI-SPINALIS    LUMBORUM. 

These  are  similarly  distributed  in  the  loins,  to  what  those 
of  the  semi-spinalis  dorsi  are  in  the  back. 

INTERTRANSVERSALES   LUMBORUM. 

These  run  from  the  edge  of  one  transverse  process  to  that 
of  the  next. 

Use.  —  To  approximate  these  processes. 

SACRO-LUMBALIS. 

They  traverse  the  under  surface  of  the  loins. 


OF  THE  DIFFERENT  MUSCLES.  149 

Origin.  —  From  the  anterior  and  lateral  part  of  the  body 
of  the  sacrum,  and  last  lumbar  vertebrae. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  fibres  that  traverse  the  loins,  and  into 
the  last  rib. 

Use.  —  They  assist  the  intertransversales  lumborum. 

PSOAS    MAGNUS 

Runs  along  the  inner  part  of  the  loins  above  the  kidney. 

Origin.  —  From  the  inward  surfaces  of  the  two  last  ribs, 
close  to  their  articulations  with  the  vertebrae  ;  and  from  the 
bodies  and  transverse  processes  of  the  last  dorsal  vertebrae, 
and  all  the  lumbar  vertebrae.  In  its  passage  to  the  thigh, 
some  of  its  fibres  are  blended  with  those  of  the  iliacus. 

Use.  —  To  bend  the  femur  upon  the  pelvis  ;  to  pull  the 
haunch  forwards  in  progression. 

PSOAS    PARVUS. 

A  smaller  muscle  than  the  last,  placed  between  it  and  the 
spine. 

Origin.  —  From  the  heads  of  the  sixteenth,  seventeenth, 
and  eighteenth  ribs,  from  the  bodies  of  the  three  posterior 
dorsal,  and  from  those  of  the  lumbar,  vertebrae. 

Insertion.  —  By  a  tendon  inta  the  rough  surface  upon  the 
os  innominatum,  below  the  acetabulum. 

Use.  —  To  draw  the  pelvis  forward.  When  one  acts,  it 
may  incline  it  to  one  side.  It  also  assists  the  psoas  magnus 
in  arching  the  spine. 

ILIACUS. 

A  muscle  of  considerable  substance  and  power,  placed 
above  and  in  part  exterior  to  the  psoas  magnus. 

Origin.  —  From  that  part  of  the  crest  of  the  ileum  that 
has  no  bearing  upon  the  sacrum,  and  from  the  anterior  spinous 
process,  and  inferior  edge  of  the  bone. 

Insertion. — It  passes  down  the  thigh  in  company  with 
the  psoas  magnus,  with  which  it  is  inserted. 

Use.  —  To  advance  the  haunch. 


150  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 


INTERNAL   COSTAL  REGION. 


DIAPHRAGM. 

The  diaphragm  is  that  fleshy  and  tendinous  expansion 
which  divides  the  cavity  of  the  chest  from  that  of  the  abdo- 
men. 

Origin.  —  It  arises  by  fleshy  digitations  from  the  carti- 
lages of  the  eighth,  and  those  of  all  the  posterior  ribs,  with 
the  exception  of  the  two  last ;  also  from  the  ensiform  carti- 
lage. From  these  points  of  attachment,  they  converge  like 
the  radii  of  a  circle,  and  terminate  about  midway  between 
the  ribs  and  spine,  in  a  thin  expansion  of  tendon.  The 
crura,  or  appendages  of  this  muscle,  are  two  in  number,  and 
lie  by  the  side  of  the  aorta,  which  vessel  takes  its  course 
between  them ;  the  right,  much  the  longer  of  the  two, 
arises  above  the  artery,  from  the  inferior  part  of  all  the 
bodies  of  the  lumbar  vertebrae  ;  the  left,  or  shorter,  has  a 
tendinous  origin  from  the  under  part  of  the  body  of  the  first 
lumbar  vertebra,  and  by  a  separate  tendinous  slip  from  that 
of  the  second.  They  unite  and  decussate  each  other  oppo- 
site to  the  seventeenth  dorsal  vertebra,  form  a  fleshy  belly, 
and  this  again  separates  into  two  portions  previously  to  its 
insertion,  in  order  to  admit  of  the  passage  of  the  oesophagus. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  upper  part  of  the  cordiform  tendon. 
About  the  centre  of  this  tendon,  is  a  perforation  for  the  pas- 
sage of  the  vena  cava  posterior  ;  so  that  there  are,  all  together, 
three  openings  in  the  diaphragm. 

Use.  —  It  acts  in  opposition  to  the  abdominal  muscles  in 
the  act  of  respiration. 

STERNO-COSTALIS    INTERNUS. 

This  muscle  lines  the  sternum  inwardly  ;  it  is  interposed 
between  it  and  the  cartilages  of  the  ribs  and  pleura. 

Origin.  —  By  tendinous  roots  from  the  upper  half  of  the 
sternum. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  cartilages  of  the  true  ribs. 

Use.  —  To  contract  the  cavity  of  the  chest. 


OF    THE    DIFFERENT    MUSCLES.  151 

THE    ANAL    REGION 

Includes  a  pair  of  muscles  and  a  single  one, 

RETRACTOR   ANI, 

Which  retracts  the  anus  —  draws  it  within  the  pelvis. 

SPHINCTER    ANI, 

Which  closes  the  anus,  after  the  expulsion  of  the  faeces. 

COCCYGEAL    REGION 

Includes  the  erector  coccygis. 
Use.  —  To  elevate  the  tail. 

DEPRESSOR    COCCYGIS. 

Use.  —  To  depress  the  tail. 

CURVATOR    COCCYGIS. 

Use.  —To  incurvate  the  tail,  or  laterally  flex  it  around  the 
quarters. 

COMPRESSOR    COCCYGIS. 

Use.  —  To  assist  in  depressing  the  tail,  and  to  maintain  it 
forcibly  pressed  against  the  anus. 

MUSCLES  OF  THE  TRUNK. 
ABDOMINAL    REGION. 

The  white  line,  (or  linea  alba,)  extending  from  the  ensi- 
form  cartilage  to  the  pubes,  marks  the  place  of  junction  of 
the  tendons  of  three  pairs  of  muscles,  and  is  perforated  near 
the  middle  by  the  umbilicus  or  navel ;  through  which,  in  the 
foetus,  passes  the  umbilical  cord.  On  either  side  of  this  line 
is  another,  taking  a  curvilinear  course,  called  the  linea  semi- 
lunaris :  this  is  the  line  of  demarcation  between  the  oblique 
and  transverse  muscles  and  their  tendons,  denoting  where  the 
one  substance  begins  and  the  other  ends.  Running  trans- 
versely between  these  are  several  white  lines,  to  which  the 


152  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 

name  of  linea  transversales  is  given  :  they  consist  of  many 
tendinous  intersections  in  the  straight  muscles. 

OBLIQUUS    EXTERNUS     ABDOMINUS. OBLIQUUS     INTERNUS     ABDOMINXJS. 

TRANSVERSALIS    ABDOMINUS. RECTUS   ABDOMINUS. 

These  four  pairs  of  muscles  are  inserted  into  the  lines  we 
have  just  described  ;  the  latter  muscle  is  also  inserted  into  the 
pubes.  These  muscles  contribute  largely  to  the  formation  of 
the  under  and  lateral  parts  of  the  abdominal  parietes,  and  to 
give  support  to  the  contained  viscera.  They  also  compress 
the  bowels,  and  by  that  means  assist  in  the  evacuation  of  the 
fasces  and  urine,  and  the  expulsion  of  the  foetus. 

The  use  of  the  last  muscle — rectus  abdominus  —  appears 
to  be  that  of  strengthening  the  middle  parts  of  the  belly,  and 
thereby  of  counteracting  that  tendency  to  relaxation  which 
must  exist  from  the  constant  dependence  of  the  bowels. 

MUSCLES    OF    THE   FORE    EXTREMITY.  —  EXTERNAL   SCAPULA 

REGION. 

ANTEA    SP1NATUS. 

Origin.  —  The  anterior  and  superior  spinatus  fills  up  the 
fossa  antea  spinata,  from  which  it  arises,  as  well  as  from 
the  spine  and  anterior  costa  of  the  scapula. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  summits  of  the  greater  and  lesser  tu- 
bercles of  the  os  humeri,  and  into  the  capsular  ligament  of  the 
shoulder  joint.  At  the  point  of  the  shoulder  it  sends  off  a 
tendinous  expansion  over  the  joint,  between  which  and  the 
tendon  of  the  biceps  we  find  a  bursa  mucosa. 

Use.  —  To  extend  the  os  humeri  on  the  scapula  ;  at  least, 
as  far  as  that  motion  is  admitted  of. 

POSTERIOR    SPINATUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  fossa  postea  spinata,  and  from  the 
spine  of  the  bone. 

Insertion.  — Into  the  outward  part  of  the  great  tubercle  of 
the  os  humeri. 


OF  THE  DIFFERENT  MUSCLES.  153 

Use.  —  To  assist  in  the  flexion  of  the  humerus. 


TERES    MAJOR   AND    TERES    MINOR. 

Origin.  —  From  the  posterior  angle  and  costa  of  the 
scapula. 

Use.  —  These  muscles  assist  in  bending  the  shoulder  joint, 
and  roll  it  outwards  and  inwards. 

SUBSCAPULARIS. 

A  muscle  of  triangular  figure,  rilling  up  the  hollow  of  the 
scapula. 

Origin.  —  From  the  surface  and  circumference  of  the  sub- 
scapular fossa. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  small  tubercle  of  the  os  humeri. 

Use.  —  To  assist  in  the  extension  of  the  shoulder  joint,  and 
to  turn  the  humerus  inwards. 

POSTERIOR    HUMERAL    REGION. 

TRICEPS    EXTENSOR   BRACHII. 

This  muscle  consists  of  three  distinct  portions,  called  its 
heads.  The  first  takes  its  origin  from  the  posterior  costa  of 
the  scapula ;  from  which  its  fibres  run  to  the  point  of  the 
olecranon.  The  second  takes  its  origin  from  the  outward  sides 
of  the  neck  and  body  of  the  os  humeri,  and  unites  with  the 
former.  The  third  arise  from  the  inward  part  of  the  os  hu- 
meri, and  unites  with  the  others  prior  to  their  insertion. 

Insertion.  —  By  a  strong  but  short  tendon,  into  the  olecra- 
non of  the  ulna :  some  of  its  fleshy  fibres  are  continued  down 
upon  the  fascia  of  the  arm. 

Use.  —  To  extend  the  arm. 

ANTERIOR    HUMERAL   REGION 

Comprehends  those  muscles  which  are  seen  in  front  of  the 
humerus. 

20 


154  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 

CORACO    HUMERALIS. 

Origin. — By  a  slender  tendon,  from  the  coracoid  process 
of  the  scapula. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  inner  and  fore  part  of  the  body  of  the 
os  humeri. 

Use.  —  To  assist  in  extending  the  shoulder  joint,  and 
turning  the  humerus  inwards. 

FLEXOR   BRACHII. 

Origin.  —  By  a  strong,  round  tendon,  from  the  coracoid 
process  of  the  scapula. 

Insertion.  —  Tendinous  into  the  inward  parts  of  the  head 
and  neck  of  the  radius,  where  it  adheres  also  to  the  capsular 
ligament  of  the  elbow  joint :  from  it  an  expansion  is  sent  off 
to  the  fascia  of  the  arm. 

Use.  —  To  bend  the  arm  by  carrying  it  forwards  and 
upwards. 

HUMERALIS    EXTERNUS. 

Origin.  —  Prom  the  lower  and  inner  border  of  the  neck 
and  body  of  the  os  humeri. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  inner  and  upper  body  of  the  radius. 
Use.  —  To  bend  the  arm. 

MUSCLES  OF  THE  ARM. 
FLEXOR    METACARPI    EXTERNUS 

Is  situated  on  the  outer  side  of  the  other  superficial  rlexos. 

Origin.  —  From  the  outer  and  back  part  of  the  external 
condyle.  It  has  two  tendons  ;  one  is  fixed  in  the  os  trapezi- 
um ;  the  other  passes  on  through  a  tendinous  sheath  to  be 
inserted  into  the  head  of  the  outer  small  metacarpal  bone. 

Use.  —  To  bend  the  leg. 

FLEXOR  METACARPI  MEDIUS 

Passes  along  the  middle  and  back  part  of  the  arm.     It 


OF    THE    DIFFERENT    MUSCLES.  155 

arises  from  the  internal  condyle  of  the  os  humeri,  and  is  in- 
serted into  the  os  trapezium. 
Use.  —  To  bend  the  leg. 

FLEXOR    METACARPI    INTERNETS 

Takes  its  course  along  the  inner  and  back  part  of  the  leg. 
It  originates  from  the  internal  condyle  of  the  os  humeri, 
adhering  to  the  capsular  ligament  of  the  elbow  joint. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  head  of  the  internal  small  metacar- 
pal bone. 

DEEP  POSTERIOR  BRACHIAL  REGION. 

The  following  muscles  constitute  the  deep-seated  flexors ; 
they  lie  anterior  to,  and  are  concealed  by,  the  superficial. 

FLEXOR  PEDIS  PERFORATES.  FLEXOR  PEDIS  PERFORANS. 

Both  these  muscles  originate  from  the  internal  condyle. 

Insertion.  —  The  former,  at  the  pastern  joint,  divides  into 
two  parts,  which  are  fixed  into  the  upper  and  back  part  of 
the  os  coronas. 

The  perforans  continue  over  the  os  naviculare  —  having 
a  bursa  between  them;  an  expanded  termination  passes  to 
the  concavity  of  the  os  pedis. 

ANTERIOR  BRACHIAL  REGION. 

These  muscles  form  the  prominent  part  of  the  arm  in  front, 
take  their  origin  from  the  external  condyle,  and  operate  in 
the  extension  of  the  leg  and  foot. 

EXTENSOR    METACARPI    MAGNUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  external  condyle  of  the  os  humeri : 
its  fibres  also  adhere  to  the  capsular  ligament ;  at  the  knee 
its  tendon  passes  under  the  annular  ligament,  within  a  syno- 
vial sheath,  where  we  find  a  bursa  mucosa. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  front  and  upper  part  of  the  large 
metacarpal  bone. 

Use.  —  To  extend  the  leg. 


156  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 

EXTENSOR   PEDIS 

Takes  the  same  course  as  the  last  described  muscle.  In 
passing  over  the  front  of  the  cannon,  it  is  tied  down  by  cel- 
lular membrane,  and  in  front  of  the  fetlock  and  pastern ;  it 
adheres  to  and  strengthens  the  capsular  ligaments  of  those 
joints. 

Insertion.  —  By  an  expansion  of  its  tendon,  into  the  lower 
end  of  both  pasterns,  and  coffin  bone. 

Use.  —  To  extend  the  foot  and  pasterns,  and  assist  in.  the 
extension  of  the  knee. 

EXTENSOR    SUFFRAGINIS. 

Origin. — From  the  upper  and  outer  part  of  the  radius  and 
ulnar. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  upper  end  of  the  large  pastern. 
Use.  —  To  assist  in  extending  the  knee  and  fetlock. 

EXTENSOR   METACARPI    OBLIQUE. 

Origin.  —  From  the  outward  part  of  the  body  of  the 
radius. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  upper  part  of  the  os  metacarpi. 


MUSCLES  OF  THE  HIND  EXTREMITY 

Are  invested  with  a  dense,  strong,  and  tendinous  fascia  upon 
the  fore,  outer,  and  back  parts  ;  but  it  is  thin,  weak,  and  cel- 
lular upon  the  inside  of  the  limb.  Its  chief  attachments  are 
to  the  ileum,  the  pubes,  the  ossa  coccygis,  and  the  stifle  ;  it 
is  continuous  superiorly  with  the  aponeurosis  of  the  external 
oblique,  and  with  the  fascia  lumborum. 


MUSCLES   OF  THE  HAUNCH. 

ANTERIOR   FEMORAL    REGION. TENSOR   VAGINA. 

Origin. — From  the  anterior  spinous  process  of  the  ileum 
and  fascia  lata.     About  midway  between  the  pelvis  and  stifle, 


OF  THE  DIFFERENT  MUSCLES. 


157 


it  sends  off  a  thin  expansion  of  tendon,  by  which  it  is  in- 
serted. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  tendons  of  those  muscles  that  are 
fixed  to  the  patella.  It  is  also  connected  to  the  trochanter 
minor  externus,  and  fascia  lata. 

Use. —  To  assist  in  drawing  the  haunch  forwards  and 
upwards,  and  extend  the  thigh. 


Origin.  —  In  part  concealed  by  the  iliacus,  by  two  broad, 
flat  tendons,  from  the  dorsum  of  the  ileum,  anteriorly  to  and 
above  the  acetabulum. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  upper  and  anterior,  parts  of  the 
patella. 

VASTUS   EXTERNUS 

Runs  along  the  outward  side  of  the  rectus. 

Origin.  —  From  the  inferior  part  of  the  root  of  the  tro- 
chanter major  and  minor,  and  outward  surface  of  the  os 
femoris. 

Insertion.  —  With  the  rectus,  into  the  upper  and  outer  part 
of  the  patella. 

VASTUS   INTERNUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  inward  part  of  the  neck  of  the  os 
femoris  and  root  of  the  trochanter  minor  internus,  and  from 
the  inward  part  of  the  body  of  the  bone. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  patella. 


INTERNAL  FEMORAL  REGION. 
SARTORIUS 

Is  a  long,  thin  muscle,  crossing  obliquely  over  the  inward 
side  of  the  haunch,  immediately  under  the  fascia  lata. 

Origin.  —  From  the  brim  of  the  pelvis.  In  its  course  it 
passes  over  part  of  the  psoas  magnus,  and  obliquely  crosses 
the  vastus  internus ;  at  the  inward  part  of  the  stifle  it  ter- 


158  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE 

minates  in  a  thin,  delicate  tendon,  which  unites  to  the 
gracilis. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  inner  and  upper  part  of  the  tibia. 

Use.  —  To  assist  in  bending  the  leg  ;  and,  when  bent,  to 
rotate  the  head  of  the  tibia  inwards. 


GRACILIS. 

Placed  upon  the  inside  of  the  haunch. 

Origin.  —  Tendinous  and  fleshy,  from  the  symphysis 
pubis,  and  inner  edge  of  the  descending  ramus  of  the  pubis. 
It  forms  that  remarkable  prominence  upon  the  inside  of  the 
thigh. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  inner  and  upper  part  of  the  tibia. 

Use.  —  To  flex  and  rotate  the  tibia  inwards. 

PECTINEUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  upper  margin  of  the  pubis,  near  the 
symphysis. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  trochanter  internus. 

Use.  —  To  flex  the  haunch,  and  at  the  same  time  abduct  it. 

TRICEPS    FEMORIS. 

It  has,  as  its  name  implies,  three  heads,  which  are  called 
abductor  brevis,  abductor  longus,  and  abductor  magnus. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  pubes  and  tuberosity  of  the  ischium, 
tibia,  and  expansions  of  the  gracilis  and  sartorius. 

Use.  —  They  act  as  abductors. 

GLUTEAL  REGION 

Includes  the  three  gluteal  muscles,  and  they  compose  the 

upper  part  of  the  quarter. 

\ 

GLUTEAL    EXTERNUS. 

This  muscle  corresponds,  as  far  as  regards  its  relative  situa- 
tion, to  the  gluteus  maximus  of  the  human  subject. 

It  originates  from  the  third  spinous  process  of  the  sacrum, 


OF  THE  DIFFERENT  MUSCLES.  159 

and  from  the  fascia  liimborum,  and  is  inserted  into  the  tro- 
chanter and  fascia. 

GLUTEUS  MAX1MUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  spinous  and  transverse  processes  of 
the  two  or  three  last  lumbar  vertebras,  from  those  of  the  two 
or  three  upper  sacral,  and  from  the  fascia  lumborum ;  from 
the  crest  of  the  ileum,  and  from  its  dorsal  and  posterior  spi- 
nous processes,  and  from  the  sacro-sciatic  ligament.  From 
these  origins  its  fascicula  run  in  a  convergent  manner  towards 
the  trochanter  major. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  sides  of  the  trochanter  major. 

GLUTEUS    INTERNUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  dorsum  of  the  ileum. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  anterior  and  less  projecting  part  of 
the  trochanter  major. 

Use.  — The  gluteal  muscles  are  extensors  of  the  os  femoris. 
In  rearing  and  kicking  they  are  in  violent  action. 


PELVIC  REGION. 

These  muscles,  mostly  small  ones,  run  from  the  pelvis  to 
the  upper  end  of  the  os  femoris  :  they  are  called  — 

Pyriformis,  Obturator  internus, 

Obturator  externus,  Gemini. 


POSTERIOR  FEMORAL  REGION. 

These  muscles  are  found  upon  the  outer  and  back  part  of 
the  haunch. 

BICEPS. 

A  large  fleshy  mass  forming  the  outermost  part  of  the 
quarter. 

Origin. — From  the  lateral  and  posterior  parts  of  the  sa- 
crum, and  from  several  of  the  ossa  coccygis ;  from  the  great 


160 

sacro-sciatic  ligament ;  from  the  tuberosity  of  the  ischium, 
and  from  the  fascia  lata. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  outer  border  of  the  patella,  and  to  its 
external  ligament. 

Use. —  The  heads  of  the  biceps,  from  having  different 
insertions,  will  perform  different  uses.  The  anterior,  or  upper 
one,  will  assist  the  rectus  and  vasti  in  extending  the  thigh  ; 
but  the  posterior  will  aid  in  its  flexion ;  they  will  both  have 
some  effect  in  abducting  the  limb,  and  in  rotating  it  inwards 
—  the  hock  at  the  time  turning  outwards. 

SEMI-TENDINOUS    AND    SEMI-MEMBRANOUS. 

These  are  placed  behind  the  biceps,  and  originate  from 
the  bones  of  the  coccyx,  fascia  lata,  and  tuberosity  of  the 
ischium. 

Use.  —  To  flex  the  leg  and  turn  the  stifle  inwards. 

MUSCLES  OF  THE  THIGH. 

These  muscles  are  included  between  the  stifle  and  hock ; 
they  are  all  fixed  to  the  os  calcis. 

GASTROCNEMIUS    EXTERNUS. 

Origin.  —  By  two  heads,  the  outer  one  from  a  rough  hol- 
low just  above  the  external  condyle  of  the  os  femoris. 

GASTROCNEMIUS    INTERNUS. 

Origin.  —  From  a  little  above  the  external  condyle  of  the 
os  femoris.  In  passing  over  the  hock  it  expands,  and  is  im- 
planted around  the  summit  of  the  os  calcis ;  thence  it  is 
continued  down  the  back  part  of  the  leg,  and  here  takes  the 
name  of  tendo  perforatus. 

Use.  —  To  extend  the  hock,  and  to  flex  the  fetlock  and 
pastern. 

PLANTARIS. 

A  slender  muscle  passing  along  the  outer  and  back  part  of 
the  thigh. 


OF    THE    DIFFERENT    MUSCLES.  161 

Origin.  — -  In  common  with  the  flexor  perforans,  from  the 
head  of  the  fibula. 

Use.  —  To  assist  the  gastrocnemii  in  extending  the  hock. 


POPLITEUS. 

The  following 'muscles  lie  deep-seated,  close  to  the  tibia, 
between  it  and  the  gastrocnemii. 

The  popliteus  is  placed  at  the  back  of  the  stifle  joint. 

Origin.  —  By  a  short,  round  tendon,  from  the  outer  and 
under  part  of  the  external  condyle  of  the  os  femoris.  Its 
fleshy  fibres,  which  are  attached  to  the  capsular  ligament, 
run  obliquely  to  the  inner  and  back  part  of  the  head  of  the 
tibia. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  inner  and  upper  part  of  the  body  of 
the  tibia. 

Use,  —  To  assist  in  bending  the  stifle,  and  to  roll  the  head 
of  the  tibia  inwards. 

FLEXOR    PEDIS    ACCESSORIUS 

Arises  just  below  the  popliteus. 

Origin.  —  From  the  outer  part  of  the  head  of  the  tibia. 
Use.  —  To  assist  the  flexor  pedis  in  bending  the  pastern 
and  coffin  joint. 

FLEXOR    PEDIS 

Courses  the  back  part  of  the  tibia. 

Origin.  —  From  the  outer  part  of  the  head  of  the  tibia, 
from  the  upper  half  of  the  body  of  the  bone  posteriorly,  and 
from  the  fibula.  At  the  back  part  of  the  hock  joint  it  sends 
off  a  strong  round  tendon,  which  passes  within  a  groove  upon 
the  inward  surface  of  the  os  calcis,  to  the  posterior  part  of 
the  leg,  where  it  is  connected  with  the  tendons  of  the  flexor 
accessorius  and  gastrocnemius  internus;  with  the  former  it 
unites,  and  the  two  become  one  and  the  same  tendon  ;  but 
with  the  latter  it  is  only  connected  by  cellular  membrane. 
21 


162  ORIGIN,    INSERTION,    AND    USE    OF    THE    MUSCLES. 

ANTERIOR  CRURAL  REGION. 

FLEXOR    METATARSI  • 

Lies  in  contact  with  the  anterior  part  of  the  tibia. 

Origin.  —  By  a  tendon  blended  with  the  extensor  pedis, 
from  the  lower  part  of  the  external  condyle  of  the  os  femo- 
ris,  and  by  fleshy  fibres  from  the  fore  part  of  the  tibia. 

Insertion.  —  Into  the  head  of  the  large  metatarsi.  The 
tendon  itself,  as  it  emerges  from  the  theca,  splits  into  two  :  the 
smaller  one  is  implanted  into  the  large  metatarsi ;  the  larger 
winds  round  the  inward  part  of  the  hock,  and  is  fixed  on  the 
os  metatarsi. 

Use.  —  To  bend  the  hock  and  turn  its  point  inwards. 

EXTENSOR    PEDIS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  upper  and  fore  part  of  the  tibia,  and 
lower  part  of  the  external  condyle  of  the  os  femoris.  Its 
fibres  end  in  a  flat  tendon,  a  little  above  the  hock,  just  as  it 
descends  in  company  with  the  peroneus  to  the  large  pastern 
joint ;  above  the  latter,  they  disunite,  and  run  separate  :  in 
their  course,  both  are  invested  in  a  cellular  sheath.  In  front 
of  the  fetlock  joint  this  tendon  spreads  out,  and  its  fibres  con- 
tinue to  expand  in  its  passage  over  the  pastern  and  coffin 
joints. 

Insertion.  — Into  the  coronal  process  of  the  os  pedis,  and 
along  the  upper  edge  of  the  bone  between  the  attachments 
of  the  lateral  cartilage. 

PERONEUS. 

Origin.  —  From  the  head  of  the  fibula,  and  the  whole 
length  of  the  bone. 

Insertion.  —  With  the  former  muscle. 


MECHANISM    AND    FUNCTIONS    OF    THE    JOINTS.  163 

THE  MECHANISM  AND  FUNCTIONS  OF  THE  JOINTS. 

ARTICULATIONS  OF  THE  TRUNK. 

Ligaments  of  the  spine.  —  Those  between  the  head  and 
first  and  second  vertebras  are. 

Lateral  ligaments,  one  on  each  side,  that  run  from  the  cor- 
onoid  processes  of  the  occipital  bone  to  the  fore  part  of  the 
atlas,  and  are  fixed  in  the  roots  of  the  transverse  processes. 

Suspensory  ligament  of  the  head  is  a  broad  ligament  en- 
closed within  the  capsular.  It  proceeds  from  the  body  of  the 
atlas  to  the  occipital  bone. 

Capsular  ligament  is  attached  to  the  occipital  bone,  around 
the  roots  of  the  condyloid  process,  and  to  the  anterior  articu- 
lar processes  of  the  atlas. 

Superior  ligament  runs  from  the  long  ring  of  the  atlas  to 
the  spine  of  the  vertebra  dentata. 

Odontoid  ligaments  are  three  in  number  :  the  two  long  pass 
from  the  sides  of  the  process  dentata,  to  the  occipital  con- 
dyles ;  the  last  runs  from  the  point  of  that  process  to  the  an- 
terior and  inferior  parts  of  the  atlas. 

Inferior  ligament  runs  from  the  inferior  spinous  process 
of  the  first  to  the  second  vertebra. 

The  ligaments  common  to  the  spine  are. 

Intervertebral  ligaments.  —  They  are  the  chief  bond  of 
union  by  which  one  vertebra  is  bound  to  another. 

The  common  inferior  and  superior  ligaments.  —  The  for- 
mer passes  obliquely  along  the  inferior  parts  of  the  vertebrae  ; 
and  the  latter  runs  within  the  spinal  canal. 

Capsular  ligaments  surround  the  smooth  cartilaginous 
surfaces  of  the  articulatory  processes. 

Intertransverse  ligaments  fix  the  transverse  processes  of 
the  dorsal  vertebrae  together. 

Interspinous  ligaments  are  found  between  the  spinous  pro- 
cesses of  the  back  and  loins. 

Ligamentum  subflavum  (or  nuchae)  extends  from  the  oc- 


164  MECHANISM    AND    FUNCTIONS    OF    THE    JOINTS. 

cipital  bone  to  the  tail.  It  covers  and  connects  the  spinous 
processes  of  the  back,  loins,  sacrum,  and  coccyx.  This  lig- 
ament forms  a  strong  connecting  medium  between  the  spines 
of  the  vertebras. 

Ligaments  of  the  pelvis.  —  Two  superior  transverse  liga- 
ments are  fixed  to  the  transverse  processes  of  these  bones 
above  ;  two  inferior,  below,  run  from  the  fourth  and  fifth 
transverse  processes  of  the  loins  to  the  crest  of  the  ileum. 
Sacro-iliac  symphysis  consists  of  a  cartilago-ligamentous 
substance  interposed  between,  and  firmly  adherent  to,  the 
transverse  processes  of  the  sacrum,^and  the  inward  part  of  the 
ileum.  This  union  is  strengthened  by  ligamentary  bands, 
which  run  from  the  posterior  spine,  and  border  of  the  ileum, 
to  the  transverse  process  of  the  sacrum. 

Sacro-sciatic  ligaments  are  broad  expansions,  stretched 
across  the  sacro-sciatic  notch.  They  arise  from  the  transverse 
processes  of  the  sacrum,  and  those  of  two  or  three  uppermost 
bones  of  the  coccyx,  and  are  extended  to  the  posterior  parts 
of  the  ileum  and  ischium,  and  to  the  tuberosity  of  the 
latter. 

Obturator  ligament  is  an  expansion,  thinner  than  the  last, 
which  passes  across  the  foramen  magnum  ischii. . 

Ligament  of  the  symphysis  is  the  cartilago-ligamentous 
substance  which  unites  the  pubic  bones. 

Ligaments  of  the  ribs.  —  Every  rib  is  connected  to  two 
vertebras  by  four  ligaments,  viz.,  two  capsular  internal  and 
external  ligaments. 

Capsular  ligament  of  the  head  invests  and  holds  it  within 
the  vertebral  socket.  Two  articular  cavities  are  found  within 
it,  one  with  each  vertebra,  which  have  separate  synovial 
linings. 

Capsular  ligament  of  the  tubercle  surrounds  it  at  its  ar- 
ticulation with  the  transverse  process  of  the  vertebra. 

External  and  internal  ligaments  consist  of  strong  fibres, 
which  connect  the  neck  of  the  rib,  above  and  below,  to  the 
spine. 

Intercostal  ligaments   are  broad  fibrous  bands  which  run 


MECHANISM    AND    FUNCTIONS    OF    THE    JOINTS.  165 

obliquely  across  the  intercostal  spaces,  and  hold  the  ribs  and 
their  cartilage  firmly  together. 

Sternal  ligaments.  —  These  several  pieces  of  the  breast 
bone  are  united  to  each  other  by  intervening  cartilaginous 
substance  j  in  addition  to  which  they  are  connected  by  liga- 
mentary  bands,  both  inwardly  and  outwardly.  The  fore  part 
of  it  is  surmounted  by  a  broad  portion  of  cartilage,  which 
runs  along  its  under  part. 

ARTICULATIONS  OF  THE  FORE  EXTREMITY. 

Shoulder  joint.  —  The  capsular  ligament  around  this  joint 
is  strengthened  in  many  places  by  additional  fibres  dispersed 
upon  its  exterior.  It  is  fixed  to  the  rough  margin  of  the  glenoid 
cavity,  and  to  the  neck  of  the  os  humeri.  A  synovial  mem- 
brane lines  it,  which  may  be  followed  upon  the  cartilagi- 
nous surfaces  of  the  bones.  Externally,  this  ligamentous  cap- 
sule is  clothed  on  every  side  by  muscle ;  and  to  them  is 
attributed  the  main   strength  of  the  joint. 

Elbow  joint.  —  The  ligaments  of  it  are  two  lateral  and  a 
capsular. 

Knee  joint.  — In  the  knee  there  are  five  distinct  articula- 
tions ;  one  between  the  radius  and  the  three  small  bones  of 
the  upper  row ;  a  second  between  the  small  bones,  above 
and  below ;  a  third  between  those  of  the  lower  row  and  the 
metacarpal  bones ;  a  fourth  between  the  os  trapezium  and 
the  os  cuneiforme  ;  and  a  fifth  between  the  os  pisiforme  and 
os  trapezoides :  they  have  all  separate  capsular  ligaments  and 
synovial  linings. 

The  ligaments  of  the  knee,  and  the  tendons  passing  over  it, 
are  girt  by  broad,  glistening,  ligamentous  bands,  which  retain 
the  latter  in  their  places,  and  render  the  joint  stronger  and 
more  compact.  Between  these  ligaments,  fascia,  and  the  ex- 
tensor tendons,  are  some  small  bursas. 

External  lateral  ligament  runs  from  a  tubercle  upon  the 
radius  to  the  head  of  the  external  metacarpal  bone. 

Internal   lateral   ligament  consists  of   two  parts,   which 


166  MECHANISM    AND    FUNCTIONS    OF    THE    JOINTS. 

proceed  from  a  similar  tubercle  upon  the  inside,  and  from  the 
body  of  the  radius.  The  longer  is  fixed  to  the  inner  head 
of  the  metacarpal  bone,  and  the  shorter  to  the  fore  part  of  the 
metacarpal. 

Ligamentum  annulare  passes  from  the  os  trapezium  to  the 
ossa  scaphoides  and  cuneiform :  it  confines  the  flexor  tendons. 

Fetlock  joint.  —  Capsular  ligament  is  attached  to  the 
articulatory  surfaces  of  these  bones  ;  and  the  synovial  mem- 
brane, after  having  lined  it,  is  reflected  upon  their  cartilages  : 
it  is  guarded  in  front  by  the  extensor  tendon. 

Long  lateral  ligament  is  fixed  to  a  projection  upon  the  side 
of  the  metacarpal  bone,  and  to  the  os  suffraginis. 

Short  lateral  ligament  runs  underneath  the  latter.  These 
ligaments  prevent  motion  sideways. 

The  ligaments  of  the  sessamoid  bones  are  seven,  viz. :  su- 
perior suspensory,  the  long  inferior,  the  short  inferior,  the  two 
lateral,  and  the  two  crucial. 

Pastern  joint  is  formed  by  the  adaptation  of  the  ossa  suf- 
fraginis  and  corona.  It  has  a  capsular,  and  two  pairs  of  lat- 
eral ligaments. 

The  capsular  ligament  is  inserted  into  the  smooth  cartila- 
ginous ends  of  these  bones  :  it  is  blended  with  the  extensor 
tendon  in  front,  and  behind  with  the  long  inferior  ligaments 
of  the  sesamoids. 

The  lateral  ligaments  are  inserted  on  the  sides  of  the  os 
coronas  and  surTraginis. 

Coffin  joint  is  made  up  of  three  bones:  the  ossa  coronas, 
pedis,  and  naviculare. 

Capsular  ligament  envelops  the  articulatory  surfaces,  and 
is  inserted  beyond  their  limits  ;  in  front  it  is  united  with  the 
extensor  tendon  ;  behind  it  is  strengthened  by  the  tendo  per- 
forans.  In  addition  to  the  capsular,  there  are  three  pairs  of 
ligaments. 

The  jirst  pair  passes  from  the  superior  edges  of  the  os 
pedis  to  the  lateral  parts  of  the  os  corona,  and  are  inserted 
about  its  middle. 

The  secojid  pair  is  stretched  from  the  extremities  of  the  os 


MECHANISM    AND    FUNCTIONS    OF    THE    JOINTS.  167 

pedis  to  the  os  corona,  and  are  fixed  below  and  behind  the 
first. 

Third  pair  arise  from  the  sides  of  the  coronal  process,  and 
terminate  in  the  cartilages. 

The  ligaments  of  the  os  naviculare  are  four,  viz.,  two  single, 
and  one  pair. 

Superior  ligament  runs  from  its  upper  and  posterior  part  to 
the  tendo-perforans. 

Inferior  is  a  very  broad  ligament,  arising  from  the  whole  of 
the  lower  edge  of  the  bone,  and  thence  extending  to  the  os 
pedis,  above  the  long  extensor  tendon. 

Lateral  ligaments  fix  the  os  naviculare,  by  its  two  ends,  to 
the  sides  of  the  os  corona. 

ARTICULATIONS  OF  THE  HIND  EXTREMITY. 

Thigh  joint  is  formed  by  the  reception  of  the  head  of  the 
os  femoris  into  its  socket. 

Capsular  ligament  is  attached  around  the  cervix  of  the 
os  femoris  and  the  margin  of  the  acetabulum ;  it  is  thickly 
clothed  on  every  side  by  muscle,  which  assists  to  maintain 
position. 

The  acetabulum  is  surrounded  by  the  circular  ligament, 
whose  border  turns  inward  to  embrace  the  cartilaginous  head 
of  the  os  femoris. 

The  notch  in  this  cavity,  to  its  inward  ,side,  is  crossed  by 
the  transverse  ligament,  which  here  makes  up  for  the  deficien- 
cy in  the  bone. 

Ligamentum  teres  consists  of  a  bundle  of  ligamentous 
fibres  enclosed  in  a  sheath,  which  proceed  from  a  pit  in  the 
inner  and  upper  part  of  the  ball  to  a  similar  one  in  the  roof 
of  the  socket.  Another  portion  of  it  leaves  the  cavity  under 
the  transverse  ligament,  and  is  implanted  in  the  pubes.  The 
synovial  membrane  lines  the  socket,  and  is  reflected  over  these 
parts. 

Stifle  joint  is  composed  of  the  os  femoris,  the  tibia,  and 
patella. 


168  MECHANISM    AND    FUNCTIONS    OF    THE    JOINTS. 

Ligamenta  patella  are  composed  of  four  strong  cords,  which 
descend  over  the  condyles  of  the  os  femoris,  and  are  insert- 
ed into  the  tubercle  of  the  tibia.  The  external  one  passes 
upon  the  outer  and  anterior  part  of  the  external  condyle  ;  the 
internal,  upon  the  inward  part  of  the  internal  condyle  ;  and 
the  middle  one,  between  them ;  they  approach  each  other  in 
their  descent.  Concealed  by  the  external  one  is  the  fourth 
ligament  of  the  patella ;  it  runs  to  the  outward  part  of  the 
tibia. 

The  patella,  with  its  articulatory  surface  of  the  condyles 
in  front,  forms  a  joint  of  its  own,  perfectly  distinct  from  that 
between  the  tibia  and  os  femoris. 

Its  capsular  ligament  is  fixed  to  its  surrounding  border. 

I?iternal  lateral  ligament  descends  from  the  internal  con- 
dyle to  the  inner  and  upper  part  of  the  tibia. 

External  lateral  ligament — stronger  than  the  internal  — 
runs  from  the  external  condyle  to  the  upper  end  of  the  fibula. 

Crucial  ligaments,  short  and  strong,  and  deeply  buried 
within  the  joint,  run  from  the  space  within  the  condyles  to 
the  tibia. 

The  synovial  membrane,  after  having  lined  the  capsule,  is 
reflected  upon  the  cartilages  and  ligaments  included  within  it. 

Hock  joint  has  four  lateral  ligaments,  two  on  each  side, 
called  internal  and  external. 

Capsular  ligament  includes  the  lower  end  of  the  tibia,  and 
the  pully-like  part  of  the  astragulus ;  to  both  of  which,  and 
the  lateral  ligaments,  and  to  the  os  calcis,  it  is  firmly  attached. 

The  05  calcis  forms  a  joint  with  the  os  cuboides,  and  the 
ossa  cuneiforme  are  also  a  joint,  and  the  middle  and  small  bones 
make  joints  with  the  cuboid  above,  and  the  metatarsi  below  ; 
hence,  there  are  six  articulations  in  addition  to  what  we  com- 
monly understand  by  the  hock  joint,  that  between  the  tibia 
and  astragulus. 


169 


A  TABLE  OF  THE  BONES  IN  THE  STRUCTURE  OF  THE  HORSE. 


Bones  of  the  crani 
urn,  or  skull,... 


Bones  of  the  far 


Dentes,  or  teeth, 


W  H 
§W 

w  a 

H 


No. 

(Frontal, J 

Parietal, 2 

J  Occipital, 1 

Temporal,  including  the  squamous  ami  petrous  portions, 4 

Ethmoid, 1 

Sphenoid 1 

Nasal,    2 

Ungius, 2 

Mala  rum, 2 

.Maxillaria,  superior  and  anterior, 4 

Palatine, 2 

Turbinated  bones, 4 

Vomer, 1 

Posterior  maxilla, 1 

Lacrymal, 2 

Cuspidata,  or  canine, 4 

'  res, 24 

cisores, 12 

Bone  of  the  tongue,     Hyoides, 1 

{Malleus 2 

fc;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::  I 

Orbiculare, 2 

(Cervical, 7 

w.  Ver,obm'  fafe:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::  1 

'  Sacrum,* 1 

Tail,...Coccygis,  or  bones  of  the  tail, 15 

t  Sternum,  (composed  at  birth  of  a  number  of  pieces, 1 

Thorax,       \  True  ribs, 14 

(  F.ilse  do., 22 

Pelvis,  Ossa  innominata,  | 2 

'Shoulder, Scapula, 2 

Arm, ..Humeri, 2 

Fore  arm, Radius,  (and  ulnar,  connected  with  the  former,) 4 


O    . 

W  cc 

w 

ag 

w  w 
°J 

gw 

o 

n 


w  £ 

*S 
°£ 

WW 

o 

w 


(  Cuspi 

.  )  Molar 

f.  Inciso 


Bones  of  the  knee, 


Below  the  knee. 


Os  schapoides,  (one  to  each  knee). 
Os  lunare, 


Thigh, 
Stifle, 


Os  cuneiforme,        "  "  

Os  trapezium,         "  "  

O-s  trapezoides,       M  "  

Os  unci  forme,  "  "  

Os  magnum,  "  "  

Os  pisitbrme,  "  "  

'Metacarpi  magnum,             "           2 

Splents,                     "             «           4 

Sessamoides,           u            "           4 

<(  Suflraginis,  (large  pastern,) 2 

1  Os  coronae,  (small      do.,     ) 2 

Os  naviculare, 2 

|^  Os  pedis, 2 

.  .Femur, 2 

. .  Patella, 2 

[  Tibia, 2 

[Fibula, 2 

Astragalus, 2 

Os  calcis, , 2 

Os  cuboid es, 2 

Os  cuneiforme  magnum, 2 

Internal  medium, 2 

External     do.,       , , 2 

Metatarsi,  (or  cannons,) 2 

Splents, 4 

Os  suflfraginis, 2 

.  ^  Os  coronae,  2 

IOs  sessamoides, 4 

Os  naviculare, 2 

^Os  pedis, , 2 

Total, , 244 

Dr.  Hooper  reckons  the  number  of  hones  in  the  human  subject  at  248. 


Bones  of  the  hock 


Below  the  knee, 


*  The  bones  in  the  sacrum  of  the  colt  consist  of  five  pieces. 

t  The  pelvis  of  the  young  animal  is  made  up  of  the  two  os  innominata,  each  of  which  is  formed 
of  two  pieces  ;  the  larger  is  called  os  ileum,  the  smaller,  in  allusion  to  the  human  pelvis,  has  been 
subdivided  into  two  portions,  named  os  ischium  and  os  pubis. 


170  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    LYMPHATICS, 


DISTRIBUTION  OF  THE  LYMPHATICS. 

Mr.  Percival  remarks  in  his  lectures,  that  "  no  English  veter- 
inarian has,  up  to  the  present  day,  (1820,)  been  at  the  pains  to 
demonstrate,  practically,  the  particular  distribution  of  the 
absorbing  vessels  of  the  horse.  Professor  Girard,  whose 
lTraite  cf  Anatomie  Veterinare9  does  no  less  credit  to  the 
talent  and  industry  of  its  author  than  honor  to  the  veterinary 
school  over  which  he  presides,  has  presented  us  with  an  arti- 
cle on  the  ramification  of  the  lymphatics,  which  I  shall 
translate. 

"THE    THORACIC    DUCT. 

"  The  largest,  longest,  and  most  remarkable  of  the  lym- 
phatic vessels,  in  which  terminate  the  majority  of  the  lym- 
phatics of  the  body,  is  situated  within  the  thorax,  on  the 
right  side  of  the  dorsal  vertebra?,  between  the  aorta  and  vena 
azygos :  it  receives  the  lymphatics  from  the  posterior  extrem- 
ities, pelvis,  parietes  and  viscera  of  the  abdomen,  head,  neck, 
withers,  and  left  anterior  extremity. 

"  It  takes  its  origin  under  the  loins  in  a  dilation  or  sinus, 
situated  at  the  root  of  the  great  mesenteric  artery,  and 
is  named  the  receptaculum  chyli :  it  directs  its  course  for- 
ward, enters  the  thoracic  cavity  by  the  aortic  perforation 
through  the  diaphragm,  extends  along  the  bodies  of  the  dor- 
sal vertebrae,  until  it  arrives  opposite  the  base  of  the  heart, 
where  it  curves  downward  to  cross  over  to  the  left  side  in  its 
way  to  the  anterior  opening  of  the  thorax  ;  as  it  leaves  the 
spine  for  this  purpose,  runs  over  the  trachea,  and  oesophagus  j 
having  reached  the  left  side,  it  stretches  forward  to  the 
beginning  of  the  anterior  vena  cava,  and  terminates  in  the 
base  of  the  left  axillary  vein.  Not  unfrequently,  it  ends  in 
the  right  axillary  ;  in  some  instances,  even  in  the  beginning 
of  the  anterior  cava.  At  its  termination,  it  dilates  and  forms 
a  sinus,  whose  mouth  opens  into  the  vein,  is  guarded  by  a 
broad  valve,  so  disposed  as  to  prevent  any  reflux  of  blood  into 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    LYMPHATICS.  171 

the  duct.*     It  has  also  a  ligamentous  band  around  it,  at  this 
part,  which  confines  it  to  the  vein  receiving  its  contents. 

"  THE    RECEPTACULUM   CHYLA. 

"  This  reservoir  forms  the  point  of  general  confluence  of  ail 
the  lymphatics  of  the  posterior  limbs  and  abdomen,  and  that 
from  which  originates  the  thoracic  duct.  It  is  maintained  by 
the  aorta  on  one  side,  the  vena  cava  posterior  on  the  other, 
and  is  formed  by  the  union  of  five  or  six  large  lymphatics, 
of  which  two  or  three  come  from  the  entrance  of  the  pelvis, 
two  or  three  others  from  the  mesentery,  a  single  one  from  the 
environs  of  the  stomach  and  liver." 

The  Professor  here  makes  a  classification  of  the  lymphatics 
of  the  body. 

LYMPHATICS  DISCHARGING  THEIR  CONTENTS  INTO  THE  ABDOM- 
INAL PORTION  OF  THE  THORACIC  DUCT. 

"  1.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    POSTERIOR    EXTREMITIES. 

"  These  are  distinguishable  into  the  superficial  and  deep- 
seated.  The  first  originate  from  the  skin  and  subcutaneous 
cellular  tissue.  They  form  divers  ramifications  which 
accompany  the  superficial  veins ;  of  which  the  most  re- 
markable attend  the  vena  saphena  major,  frequently  anasto- 
mosing with  one  another,  and  forming  an  anastomotic  net- 
work. All  these  lymphatics  run  to  the  subcutaneous  ingui- 
nal glands,  which  are  lodged  upon  the  superior  and  anterior 
part  of  the  thigh. 

"  The  deep-seated  lymphatics  take  their  rise  from  the 
foot,  ascend  along  with  the  plantar  veins,  continue  upward 
among  the  muscles,  in  company  with  the  deep-seated  veins, 
corresponding  in  their  principal  divisions  to  those  vessels,  and 
proceed  to  the  inguinal  glands. 

"  All  the  lymphatics  of  the  posterior   limbs  assemble  at 

*  Notwithstanding  this  valve,  blood  often  gains  admission  into  the  canal; 
this  is  observable  in  all  cases  of  violent  death,  or  in  which  struggles  and 
convulsions  attend  expiration. 


172  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    LYMPHATICS. 

these  glands,  and  here  form  a  plexus,  from  which  several 
large  branches  depart  and  traverse  the  iliac  glands,  clinging  to 
the  sides  of  the  iliac  vessels,  and  discharge  their  contents  into 
the  pelvic  branch,  contributing  to  the  receptaculum  chyli. 

"  2.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    PELVIS. 

"  The  vessels  coming  from  this  cavity  run  in  part  to  the 
inguinal  glands,  and  in  part  to  the  internal  pelvic  glands. 
The  superficial  lymphatics  about  the  pubes  aud  the  outlet  of 
the  pelvis,  run  and  jo.in  those  of  the  extremities  ;  those  of  the 
perineum  and  anus  enter  the  cavity,  and  are  accompanied  by 
those  coming  from  the  croup  and  tail,  both  proceeding  to  the 
glands  within  the  interior  of  the  pelvis.  All  the  deep-seated 
lymphatics  accompany  the  veins,  make  for  the  pelvic  glands, 
form  union  with  the  others,  and  run  and  empty  themselves 
into  the  main  pelvic  branch,  wherein  their  lymph  mixes  with 
that  coming  from  the  inguinal  glands. 

"  The  lymphatics  of  the  urinary  and  genital  organs,  included 
in  the  pelvic  cavity,  also  traverse  the  glands  lodged  therein 
and  unite  with  those  of  the  parietes  of  the  pelvis.  Those  of 
the  scrotum  enter  the  inguinal  glands,  as  also  do  those  belong- 
ing to  the  sheath  and  penis.  The  ramifications  derived  from 
the  testicle  and  spermatic  cord  take  the  course  of  the  veins, 
and  penetrate  one  or  two  of  the  lumbar  glands  lodged  at  the 
entrance  of  the  pelvis.  The  lymphatics  of  the  mammas, 
which  are  also  divisible  into  superficial  and  deep-seated,  run 
to  the  inguinal  glands,  and  anastomose  with  the  superficial 
set  belonging  to  the  inferior  parietes  of  the  abdomen  ;  but 
before  they  reach  these  last  glands,  they  pervade  those  of  the 
mammae. 

11  3.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    PARIETES    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

"  These  vessels,  in  general  but  little  developed,  for  the 
most  part  run  to  the  inguinal  glands.  The  superficial  set  of 
the  lower  parietes  accompany  the  cutaneous  inguinal  vein, 
anastomose  with  the  lymphatics  of  the  scrotum  and  mammas, 
and  traverse  the   glands  in  the   groin:  some  of  them  direct 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE     LYMPHATICS.  173 

their  course  forward,  along  with  the  cutaneous  external  tho- 
racic veins  of  the  thorax,  unite  with  the  superficial  lymphat- 
ics of  that  part,  and  proceed  to  the  axillary  glands.  The 
deep-seated  vessels  of  the  belly  run  in  company  with  the  epi- 
gastric vein,  and  go  to  the  inguinal  glands,  or  else  they 
accompany  the  pectoral  vein,  and  pervade  the  glands  in  front 
of  the  thorax. 

"  The  superficial  or  subcutaneous  lymphatics  of  the  loins 
join  either  those  of  the  croup  or  those  of  the  flanks  :  the 
deep-seated,  which  spring  from  the  peritoneum,  muscles,  or 
spinal  canal,  perforate  one  of  the  lumbar  glands,  and  pass  on- 
ward to  terminate  in  the  main  pelvic  branch. 

"4.    ABSORBENTS    OF    THE    MESENTERY. 

"  The  mesenteric  branches,  ordinarily  two  or  three  in  num- 
ber, the  most  considerable  of  which  is  constantly  united  to 
the  great  mesenteric  artery,  receive  all  the  vessels  continued 
from  the  mesenteric  glands,  as  well  as  those  coming  from  the 
mesentery  and  intestines. 

"  The  mesenteric  absorbents,  extremely  numerous,  are  sus- 
tained between  the  layers  of  the  mesentery,  where  they  form 
a  vascular  network  :  many  of  them  issue  from  the  exhalent 
surface  of  the  mesentery  and  intestinal  tube  ;  others  take  their 
rise  from  the  interior  of  the  intestines,  from  which  they  im- 
bibe chyle.  All  these  vessels  converge  towards  the  lymphatic 
reservoir,  clinging  in  their  passage  around  the  mesentric  veins ; 
some,  however,  taking  a  solitary  course  at  a  greater  or  less 
distance  from  any  blood-vessel  :  having  arrived  at  the  root  of 
the  mesentery,  they  pass  through  one  or  two,  sometimes 
three,  of  the  mesentric  glands,  and  afterwards  join  the  prin- 
cipal lumbar  lymphatics.  The  absorbents  of  the  coecum  and 
coecum  caput  coli  run  to  the  glands  set  at  intervals  along  the  in- 
testinal tube,  whence  they  proceed  to  the  receptaculum  chyli. 

"5.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    LIVER,    STOMACH,    SPLEEN,   AND    OMENTUM. 

"  The  hepatic  trunk  comprises  the  lymphatics  issuing  from 
the  above  viscera.  This  branch  of  the  receptaculum  chyli 
not  uncommonly  consists  of  two  divisions,  and  receives  in 


174  DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    LYMPHATICS. 

addition  to  the  above  mentioned  vessels  many  ramifications 
from  the  cura  of  the  diaphragm. 

"  The  lymphatics  of  the  pancreas,  like  the  above,  also  run 
with  the  divisions  of  its  veins,  and  join  either  those  of  the 
liver  or  those  of  the  spleen  :  some  proceed  directly  to  the 
common  hepatic  trunk. 

"II.  RAMIFICATIONS    TERMINATING  IN  THE  THORACIC    PORTION 
OF  THE  MAIN  COMMON  DUCT. 

"  1.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    PARIETES    OF    THE    THORAX. 

"  The  superficial  absorbents  of  the  chest  take  their  rise 
either  from  the  surface  of  the  skin  or  else  from  the  subcuta- 
neous muscles ;  they  form  several  large  branches  which 
accompany  the  thoracic  cutaneous  vein,  unite  with  the  super- 
ficial lymphatics  coming  from  the  anterior  parietes  of  the  ab- 
domen, and  proceed  to  the  axillary  glands. 

"  The  deep-seated  set  take  divers  directions,  and  pass 
through  the  different  sets  of  glands.  The  pectoral,  which 
anastomose  with  ramifications  from  the  abdomen,  follow  the 
pectoral  vein,  and  reach  one  or  two  glands  at  the  entrance  of 
the  chest.  The  intercostal  spring  from  the  pleura  and  inter- 
costal muscles,  accompany  the  intercostal  veins,  pervade  the 
internal  dorsal  glands,  and  terminate  by  several  branches  in 
the  thoracic  duct. 

"  The  lymphatics  of  the  fleshy  part  of  the  diaphragm  unite, 
some  with  the  posterior  intercostal,  others  with  pectoral ; 
those  coming  from  the  crura  run  to  the  dorsal  glands,  where 
they  anastomose  with  the  intercostal :  those  from  the  cordi- 
form  tendon  anastomose  with  the  deep  hepatic,  run  forward 
between  the  layers  of  mediastinum,  nearly  to  the  heart,  and 
enter  the  cardiac  glands. 

"2.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    THORACIC    VISCERA. 

"  The  absorbents  of  the  different  organs  contained  within 
the  thorax,  traverse  one  or  several  of  the  bronchial  or  car- 
diac glands,  and  afterwards  form  divers  branches,  which  end 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    LYMPHATICS.  175 

in  the  thoracic  duct.  The  pulmonary  lymphatics,  very  numer- 
ous, are  distinguished  into  superficial  and  deep-seated.  The 
first  take  their  rise  from  the  surface  of  the  lungs,  creep  along 
under  their  enveloping  membrane,  and  make  for  one  or  more 
of  the  bronchial  glands.  The  deep  set,  which  originate  from 
the  air-cells,  and  from  the  parenchymatous  tissue,  follow  the 
divisions  of  the  pulmonary  veins,  run  to  the  roots  of  the 
bronchiae  ;  there  unite  with  the  superficial,  and  perforate  one 
or  two  of  the  bronchial  glands. 

"  The  cardiac  lymphatics  derive  their  origin  either  from  the 
surfaces  (both  exterior  and  interior)  of  the  heart,  or  from  the 
muscular  substance  of  the  organ  j  they  mount  upon  the  cur- 
vature of  the  posterior  aorta,  and  disappear  in  the  cardiac 
glands. 

"  The  lymyhatics  of  the  superior  part  of  the  mediastinum, 
and  of  the  oesophagus,  join,  some  the  intercostal,  and  others 
the  bronchial  ;  those  coming  from  the  anterior  part  of  this 
membranous  partition,  from  the  thymus,  trachea,  and  oesopha- 
gus, unite,  either  with  the  pectoral,  or  close  with  the  cardiac 
and  anterior  intercostal. 

"  3.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

"  The  lymphatics  of  the  head  form  two  planes,  a  super- 
ficial and  a  deep  one.  The  superficial  pursue  the  course 
of  the  cutaneous  veins,  and  run  in  part  to  the  sublingual  and 
glutteral  glands.  The  deep  vessels,  which  come  from  the 
nostrils,  fauces,  palate,  &c,  also  run  to  the  glutteral  and  sub- 
lingual, in  which  they  unite  with  the  superficial.  From 
these  two  groups  of  glands,  through  which  pass  the  lym- 
phatics of  the  head,  depart  several  large  branches,  two  or 
three  of  which  descend  upon  the  anterior  face  of  the  trachea  ; 
others  follow  the  course  of  the  deep-seated  and  cutaneous 
veins,  unite  with  those  of  the  neck,  and  descend  to  the  front 
of  the  chest.  Almost  all  these  vessels  terminate  in  the 
thoracic  duct ;  some  few  alone,  on  the  right  side,  ending  in 
the  right  axillary  trunk. 


176  ON    THE    HAIR. 

"4.    LYMPHATICS    OF    THE    LEFT    FORE    EXTREMITY. 

"  The  lymphatics  of  this  member  present  the  same  dispo- 
sition as  those  of  the  posterior  limbs,  and  are  divided  into 
superficial  and  deep-seated.  The  former,  consisting  of  diverse 
ramifications,  accompany  the  superficial  veins  ;  the  more  con- 
siderable of  them  forming  a  plexus,  which  accompanies  the 
cutaneous  (superficial  brachial)  vein  of  the  limb.  The  deep 
vessels  originate  from  the  foot,  muscles,  and  bones,  pursue 
the  divisions  of  the  deep  veins,  and  plunge  into  the  axillary 
glands,  wherein  they  unite  with  the  superficial,  and  whence 
they  extend  to  the  thoracic  duct. 

"  THE    RIGHT    TERMINATING    TRUNK    OF    THE    LYMPHATICS. 

"  This  very  short  lymphatic  canal  is  obliquely  situated  at 
the  entrance  of  the  thorax,  upon  the  transverse  process  of 
the  last  vertebrae  of  the  neck,  extending  in  a  direction  from 
above  downward,  and  from  without  inward,  and  terminating 
most  commonly  in  the  right  axillary  vein ;  though,  in  some 
instances,  it  joins  the  thoracic  duct.  This  trunk  is  formed  by 
the  lymphatics  coming  from  the  right  axillary  glands,  and 
some  from  the  right  lung,  and  right  side  of  the  neck  and 
trachea." 


ON  THE  HAIR. 


Professor  Percival  observes,  that  "  all  hair  has  a  com- 
mon similarity  in  its  structure  and  mode  of  growth  ;  whether 
it  assumes  the  appearance  of  human  hair,  that  of  the  coat  or 
mane  of  the  horse,  the  wool  of  the  sheep,  the  fur  of  the  rab- 
bit, the  bristles  of  the  hog,  or  the  spines  of  the  hedgehog  ; 
its  particular  varieties  in  every  one  of  these  animals  are  owing 
to  the  thickness  and  disposition  of  the  fibres  of  its  cuticular 
case.  The  coat  varies  in  quality,  color,  and  length,  in  horses 
of  various  breeds  ;  the  Arabian  is  characterized  by  his  smooth, 
silken,  and  glossy  coat ;  the  cart  horse,  the  Shetland  pony, 


ON    THE    HAIR. 


177 


and  others,  are  contradistinguished  by  the  greater  length  and 
consequent  roughness,  the  coarseness,  and  stubbornness  of  the 
hair. 

"  With  regard  to  color,  there  is  some  connection  between 
that  of  the  skin,  the  hair,  and  the  eyes ;  black  horses  have 
black  skins  and  dark  eyes;  milk-white  and  cream-colored 
horses,  light  skins  and  wall  eyes.  The  three  primitive  colors 
—  those  of  which  all  the  others  appear  to  be  either  shades  or 
combinations,  are  white,  red,  and  black.  According  to  Rich- 
erand,  the  lighter  the  shade  the  finer  the  hair ;  as  a  proof  of 
which,  he  says,  there  are  fewest  black  hairs  in  a  square  inch 
of  skin,  more  chestnut,  and  most  light-colored.  This  asser- 
tion our  observation  appears  to  confirm  ;  for  it  is  comparative- 
ly uncommon  to  meet  with  a  black  thorough-bred  horse. 

"  Most  animals,  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year,  lose  one 
pilous  covering,  to  have  it  renewed  or  replaced  by  another. 
The  pulpy  substance  at  the  root  of  the  hair  shrinks  and  dries 
up,  the  stem  consequently,  no  longer  supplied  with  nourish- 
ment, loses  its  support  and  falls  off ;  at  the  same  time,  a  new 
pulp  appears  by  the  side  of  the  old  one,  which,  during  the 
absorption  of  the  latter,  grows  and  gives  root  to  the  new 
hair ;  so  that  the  pulp  and  stem  only,  and  not  the  bulb,  un- 
dergo the  process  of  regeneration. 

"  The  hair  is  speedily  reproduced  upon  any  denuded  part ; 
so  that  we  are  not  afraid  of  the  skin  remaining  bare,  when 
the  cutis  vera  (and  consequently  the  bulbs  of  the  hair)  have 
not  been  injured  ;  indeed,  hair  will  be  regenerated  though  it 
be  plucked  out  by  the  roots.  In  the  case  of  broken  knees, 
however,  it  occasionally  happens  that  the  contusion  of  the  fall 
is  followed  by  more  or  less  disorganization  of  the  cutis,  and 
then  a  scar  or  bare  place  remains  ;  or  a  few  light-colored  or 
white  hairs  only  grow  upon  the  place,  which  appear  to  be 
the  offspring  of  defective  pulps. 

"  The  time  of  casting  the  coat,  one  that  may  be  compared 
to  the  moulting  season  in  birds,  is  often  the  epoch  from  which 
we  may  date  the  origin  of  disease,  and  always  when  more  or 
less  debility  reigns  in  the  system. 


1  F8  ON    THE    HAIR. 

"  On  the  other  hand,  the  appearance  of  the  hair  may  be 
adduced  as  a  sign  of  internal  derangement ;  such  a  horse 
'has  a  staring  coat,'  is  an  expression  in  the  mouth  of  the 
owner,  and  he  generally  has  recourse  to  a  remedy  which 
restores  its  smooth  and  healthy  aspect,  without  knowing  at 
all  the  connection  between  the  one  and  the  other.  The  fact 
is,  that  this  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  instances  we  have 
of  the  sympathy  between  the  skin  and  alimentary  canal ; 
and  that  we  might,  ad  infinitum,  bestow  our  labor  upon  the 
former  without  effect,  unless  we  were  at  the  same  time  to 
direct  our  attention  to  the  latter. 

"  But  there  are  other  causes  that  may  give  rise  to  a  rough 
coat.  Simply  taking  a  horse  into  an  atmosphere  colder  than 
the  one  he  has  been  habitually  exposed  to,  will  make  the  hair 
stare  ;  even  leaving  the  stable  open  to  a  current  of  air  will 
do  it,  which  the  advocate  for  a  warm  stable  is  no  stranger  to. 
Now,  this  can  be  no  other  than  the  effect  of  contraction,  not 
of  the  skin  itself,  but  of  the  muscular  fibres  which  adhere  to 
it  —  the  paniculus  carnosus. 

"  What  I  have  just  particularized  are  not  to  be  confounded 
with  that  variety  of  rough  coat  which  a  horse  acquires  during 
the  cold  season  at  grass ;  for  this  consists  in  an  increased 
growth  of  the  hair ;  and  hence,  it  is  a  fact  well  known,  that 
a  hunter  stabled  with  a  long,  staring  coat  in  the  autumn,  can- 
not be  made  to  look  smooth  and  sleek  by  any  subsequent 
treatment.  Now  and  then  it  happens,  from  some  cause  or 
other,  the  action  of  the  cutaneous  vessels  being  disordered, 
and  the  shedding  process  arrested  or  but  imperfectly  per- 
formed, the  old  coat,  or  some  parts  of  it,  remain  on  until 
the  second  time  of  casting  ;  when  this  is  the  case,  the  hair 
is  said  to  be  set. 

"  It  is  a  well  known  fact,  that  an  animal  will  vary  the 
length  and  quality  of  his  coat,  according  to  the  temperature 
of  the  climate  into  which  he  is  transplanted.  Every  horse- 
man knows  the  change  that  can  be  wrought  in  the  coat  of 
his  horse  by  warm  clothing,  to  need  more  than  the  bare  men- 
tion of  it  here,  as  confirmatory  of  this  point.     Heat,  then,  is 


ON    THE    HAIR. 


179 


absolutely  necessary  to  the  production  of  a  fine  coat ;  * 
cleanliness,  friction,  and  attention  to  the  general  health 
contribute  to  this  condition  of  the  hair.  Let  me  not,  however, 
in  making  this  observation,  be  understood  to  be  an  advocate 
for  a  hot  stable  ;  on  the  contrary,  I  have  ever,  to  the  extent 
of  my  power,  inculcated  ventilation,  which  I  have  always 
found  to  be  compatible  with  as  much  warmth  to  the  skin  as 
was  necessary  to  the  production  and  preservation  of  a  fine 
coat."  Mr.  Percival,  in  a  note  appended  to  the  foregoing  sub- 
ject, remarks  :  "  There  is  so  little  information  afloat  on  this 
subject,  that  it  behoves  us  to  gather  honey  wherever  it  is 
proffered.  A  writer  in  the  Sporting  Magazine  of  May  last, 
after  asserting  that  a  fine  coat  is  necessary  to  condition, 
(where,  in  my  humble  opinion,  he  has  put  effect  for  causation,) 
and  informing  us  that  horses  vary  much  in  this  particular,  foi 
which  there  is,'  says  he,  l  no  ostensible  reason,'  concludes 
with  the  following  pertinent  communication  : 

"  '-  The  Marquis  of  Hastings,  while  governor  general  of 
India,  being  impressed  with  the  idea  that  geldings  would  be 
more  efficient  in  the  Indian  cavalry,  caused  two  troops  to  be 
formed  in  each  regiment,  when  it  was  unanimously  decided 
that  geldings  were  very  far  inferior,  and  in  this  particular  in 
cold  weather,  when  their  coats  were  long  and  rough.  In 
furtherance  of  this  experiment,  many  horses  were  castrated, 
and  it  was  observed  that  all  those  that  were  operated  on  im- 
mediately previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  cold  weather 

*  We  have  already  shown  that  heat  and  moisture  combined  will  relax  the 
surface,  and  favor  the  exit  of  morbid  accumulations  in  the  tissues.  Heat 
alone  would  evaporate  the  natural  moisture  of  the  animal,  and  permit  the 
tissues  to  contract  for  want  of  that  moisture.  Thus  the  pores  are  closed, 
and  the  circulation  and  perspiration  are  impeded.  Let  an  animal  be  exposed 
to  a  dry  atmosphere,  and  a  like  contraction  and  the  same  effects  take  place. 
When  an  animal  is  clothed  with  a  blanket,  or  horse  cloth,  the  insensible  per 
spiration  is  arrested,  and  finally  condensed  on  the  surface ;  this  furnishes  the 
elements  we  require,  viz.,  heat  and  moisture.  If  this  moisture  cannot  be 
produced  on  the  surface,  as  in  common  colds,  catarrh,  &c,  owing-  to  the  ret- 
rograde course  of  the  fluids,  then  that  moisture  may  be  artificially  supplied 
in  the  manner  we  have  recommended.     (See  article  Lockjaw.) 


180  ON    THE    HAIR. 

were  in  winter  always  long-coated  ;  whereas,  those  that  were 
castrated  at  the  commencement  of  the  hot  season  kept  nearly 
as  fine  coats  during  the  cold  as  the  stud  horses.  When  we 
come  to  learn  what  an  influence  the  generative  organs  of  the 
male  have  in  the  system,  and  how  much  the  production  of 
hair  in  particular  is  affected  by  their  functions,  we  shall  not 
be  surprised  at  the  disturbance  which  castration  appears  here 
to  have  created  in  the  shedding  process.'  " 


GLOSSARY 

OF  MEDICAL   TERMS   USED  IN  THIS  WORK. 


Abdominalis.    Pertaining  to  the  belly. 

Abductor.     A  muscle,  the  office  of  which  is  to  pull  back. 

Accelerator  Urince.     A  muscle  of  the  penis. 

Acetabulum.  A  name  given  to  the  cavity  which  receives  the  head  of  the 
thigh  bone. 

Achillis  Tendo.     The  tendon  of  the  muscle  inserted  into  the  hock. 

Acromion.     A  process  of  the  scapula,  or  shoulder  blade. 

Alveolus.     The  socket  of  a  tooth. 

Annular  Ligament,  (from  annulus,  a  ring,  because  it  is  ring-like,  and  sur- 
rounds the  ligaments  at  the  knee  of  the  horse.) 

Antagonist.  Such  are  the  flexors  and  extensors  of  legs  ;  the  former  bend, 
and  the  latter  extend. 

Anterior.  A  term  applied  to  what  may  be  situated  before  another  of  the 
same  kind,  as  a  prominence,  lobe,  artery,  &c. 

Aponeurosis.     A  tendinous  expansion. 

Articulation,  (from  articulus.)     A  joint. 

Atlas.     The  first  bone  of  the  neck. 

Auditory.    Belonging  to  the  organ  of  hearing. 

B 

Biceps,  (from  bis,  twice,  and  caput,  a  head.)    Two  heads,  applied  to  muscles 

from  their  having  two  distinct  heads,  or  origins. 
Bifurcate,  [bifurcus;  from  bis,  twice,  and  furca,  a  fork.)     A  blood-vessel  is 

said  to  bifurcate  when  it  divides  into  two  branches. 
Brachial.     Of  or  belonging  to  the  arm. 
Brevis.     Short 

Bronchial.    Appertaining  to  the  windpipe. 
Buccal,  (from  bucca,  the  cheek.)    Belonging  to  the  cheek. 

c 

Calcaneum.    The  point  of  the  hock. 


182  GLOSSARY. 

Capsular.  Applied  to  a  ligament  which  surrounds  every  movable  articu- 
lation. 

Carpus.     The  knee  of  the  horse,  and  wrist  of  the  human  being. 

Cauda.     The  tail. 

Cellular.     Having  little  cells. 

Cervical.     Belonging  to  the  neck. 

Cervix.  That  part  of  the  animal  between  the  neck  and  shoulder ;  applied 
also  to  distinguished  parts,  as  the  cervix  uteri,  neck  of  the  uterus,  &c. 

Cord.     An  assemblage  of  fibres. 

Cineritious,  (from  cinis,  ashes.)  A  name  applied  to  the  cortical  substance 
of  the  brain,  from  its  resemblance  to  an  ash-color. 

Commissura.     A  suture,  juncture,  or  joint. 

Condyle.     A  round  eminence  of  a  bone. 

Conglomerate.  Applied  to  a  gland,  which  consists  of  a  number  of  small 
glands :   such  are  the  parotid  and  salivary  glands. 

Constrictor.  A  name  given  to  those  muscles  which  contract  an  opening  of 
the  body. 

Corona.     A  crown.     The  small  pastern  is  named  os  corona. 

Coronoid.  Processes  of  bones  are  so  called  that  have  any  resemblance  to  a 
crow's  beak. 

Corpus.     A  body. 

Costa.    A  rib. 

Cremaster.     A  muscle  of  the  testicle. 

Crico.  Names  compounded  of  this  word  belong  to  muscles  which  are 
attached  to  the  cricoid  cartilage. 

Cuhoides.  A  bone  in  the  knee  of  the  horse  is  thus  named,  from  its  resem- 
blance to  a  cube,  or  die. 

Cuneiform,  wedge-like.     A  bone  of  the  knee. 

Cuspidatus.     The  four  tushes  of  the  horse  are  thus  named. 

Cutaneous,  (from  cutis,  the  skin.)    Belonging  to  the  skin. 

Cystis.     Cyst,  or  bladder. 

D 

Dentatus,  (from  dens,  a  tooth,  from  its  tooth-like  process.)  The  second  ver- 
tebra of  the  neck  is  known  by  this  process. 

Depressor.  A  muscle  is  so  named,  which  depresses  the  part  on  which  it 
acts. 

Diploe.    The  spongy  substance  between  the  two  tables  of  the  skull. 


E 

Elevator,  (from  elevo,  to  lift.)     A  muscle  is  so  called,  the  office  of  which  is 

to  lift  up  the  part  to  which  it  is  attached. 
Empyema.    A  collection  of  pus  within  the  cavity  of  the  thorax. 


GLOSSARY.  183 

Erector.  The  name  of  a  muscle,  the  office  of  which  is  to  raise  up  the  part 
to  which  it  is  attached. 

Excretory.  Applied  to  small  vessels  that  convey  secretion  out  of  the 
glands. 

Exfoliation.    The  separation  of  a  dead  piece  of  bone  from  the  living. 

Exostosis.     A  morbid  enlargement  of  bone. 

Extensor,  (from  extendo,  to  stretch  out.)  A  term  given  to  muscles  that  ex- 
tend a  part. 


Facial.    Belonging  to  the  face. 

Fascia,     The  tendinous  expansion  of  muscles. 

Femoral.     Of  or  belonging  to  the  thigh. 

Fibre.     A  filament,  or  thread. 

Fibula,  (from  Jigo,  to  fasten.)     A  small  bone  behind  the  tibia  of  the  horse, 

attached  to  it. 
Fimbria,     A  fringe. 
Flexor.    The  name  of  several  muscles,  the  office  of  which  is  to  bend  the 

parts. 
Follicle.     A  small  bag,  applied  to  glands. 
Foramen.     A  small  opening. 
Fossa.    A  depression. 
Frontal.    Belonging  to  the  forehead. 
Fungus.     Proud  flesh. 

G 

Ganglion.    An  enlargement  in  the  course  of  a  nerve. 
Gastric.     Appertaining  to  the  stomach. 
Glenoid.     The  name  of  articulating  cavities  in  the  pelvis. 
Gluteal.     Belonging  to  the  haunch. 

Gracilis,  (so  named  from  its  smallness.)     A  muscle  on  the  inner  part  of  the 
thigh. 

H 

Hepatic.    Belonging  to  the  liver. 

Hyo.    Names  compounded  of  this  word  are  connected  with  the  os  hyoides. 


Incisors,  (from  incido,  to  cut.)    The  twelve  front  teeth  of  the  horse  are  called 
incisors. 


184  GLOSSARY. 

Infraspinatus,  (from  infra,  beneath,  and  spina,  the  spine.) 

Inguinal.     Appertaining  to  the  groin. 

Inosculation.    The  running  of  veins  and  arteries  into  one  another. 


Jugular.     Belonging  to  the  throat. 


Labrurru     The  lip. 

Loxhrymal.     Belonging  to  tears,  or  parts  where  they  are  secreted. 

Latissimus.     A  term  applied  to  a  muscle,  from  its  great  breadth. 

Levator.     A  muscle,  the  office  of  which  is  to  lift  up  the  part  to  which  it  is 

attached. 
Longissimus.     The  longest  muscles  are  so  named. 
Lumbar.     Belonging  to  the  loins. 


M 

Mamma.     The  udder. 

Mastoid.    Processes  of  bones  are  so  named,  that  are  shaped  like  a  nipple. 

Maxillary.     Pertaining  to  the  jaw. 

Meatus.    An  opening  that  leads  to  a  cavity,  or  canal. 

Medulla.  The  marrow.  The  medullary  substance  within  the  cranium  is 
called  medulla  oblongata. 

Mesenteric.     Belonging  to  the  mesentery. 

Molares  Denies.     The  twenty-four  grinders  of  the  horse  are  so  named. 

Mylo.  Names  compounded  of  this  word  belong  to  muscles  near  the  grind- 
ers and  tongue. 

N 

Nasal.    Belonging  to  the  nose. 

o 

Oblique.     A  term  applied  to  muscles,  from  their  direction. 
Occipital.     Belonging  to  the  back  part  of  the  head. 
Olfactory.     Belonging  to  the  nostrils. 

Omo.  Names  compounded  of  this  word  belong  to  muscles  that  are  attached 
to  the  scapula. 


GLOSSARY.  185 

Opacity.    The  faculty  of  obstructing  the  passage  of  light 
Ophthalmic.     Belonging  to  the  eye. 

Orbit.    The  two  cavities  in  which  the  eyes  are  lodged  are  thus  named. 
Os.    A  bone. 


Potato.    Names  compounded  of  this  word  belong  to  muscles  which  are 

attached  to  the  palate. 
Papilla.    Small  eminences,  as  of  the  tongue.    The  teats  are  so  named. 
Par  Vagum.     The  eighth  pair  of  nerves. 
Parenchyma.    The  tissues. 
Pectoral.     Of  or  belonging  to  the  chest 
Periosteum.     The  membrane  that  invests  the  bones. 
Pharyngeal.     Relating  to  the  pharynx. 
Pharynx.     A  muscular  cavity  at  the  back  of  the  mouth. 
Phosphate.    A  salt  formed  by  the  union  of  phosphoric  acid  and  a  saline 

base  ;  hence  phosphate  of  lime. 
Phrenic.    Belonging  to  the  diaphragm. 
Pisiform.    Pea-like.    A  bone  of  the  knee  of  the  horse,  and  the  wrist  of 

man. 
Process.    An  eminence  of  a  bone. 

R 

Rectus.    Straight.    Several  muscles  are  so  called. 

Recurrent,  (so  named  from  reflection.)    Reflected. 

Region.     A  part  of  the  body. 

Renal.    Belonging  to  the  kidney. 

Reticular.    Interwoven,  like  a  net. 

Retractor.    A  muscle,  the  office  of  which  is  to  retract  a  part 

Rotator.    A  muscle,  the  office  of  which  is  to  turn  a  limb. 


s 

Sacral.     Of  or  belonging  to  the  sacrum. 

Scaphoid.     One  of  the  bones  of  the  knee. 

Semen.    The  seed,  or  prolific  liquor  of  animals,  secreted  in  the  testicles, 

Semilunar.    Half-moon  shape. 

Septum.     A  partition. 

Serratus.    So  called  from  the  saw-like  appearance. 

Sinus.     A  cavity,  or  depression. 

Spermatic.    Belonging  to  the  testicle. 

Spinal.    Belonging  to  the  spine,  or  back. 


186  GLOSSARY. 

Sterno.    Names  compounded  of  this  word  belong  to  the  breast  bone. 
Styloid.    Shaped  like  a  pencil. 

Sub.    Applied  to  parts  which  lie  under,  as  subcartilaginous,  (under  carti- 
lage) subcutaneous,  (under  the  skin.) 

T 

Tarsus.    Bones  of  the  hock. 

Tensor,  (from  tendo,  to  stretch.)     A  muscle,  the  office  of  which  is  to  extend 

the  part  to  which  it  is  affixed. 
Teres.    Round,  cylindrical. 
Transversalis.     Transverse. 
Trapezium.    A  bone  of  the  knee. 
Tuberosity.    Any  unequal  protuberance. 


Vdurru  A  veil. 
Vena.  A  vein. 
Vulva.    The  aperture  to  the  womb. 


DICTIONARY 


THE    VETERINARY    ART; 


SELECTED    FROM  WHITE'S    COMPENDIOUS  DICTIONARY,  AND  ADAPTED  TO 

THE  PRESENT  STATE  OF  REFORMED  PRACTICE  IN   THE 

UNITED  STATES. 


CONTAINING 


PRACTICAL    OBSERVATIONS 


DISEASES  OF  DOMESTIC  ANIMALS, 

AND  EXPLANATIONS  OF  TERMS  USED  IN  THE  VETERINARY  SCIENCE. 


BY  GEORGE  H.  DADD,  M.  D. 

PRACTITIONER    OF    THE    REFORMED    VETERINARY    SYSTEM    OF 
MEDICINE    AND    SURGERY. 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED    BY    THE    AUTHOR. 


DICTIONARY 


THE  VETERINARY  ART. 


Abdomen.  That  part  of  the  animal  usually  denominated 
the  belly.  This  cavity  contains  the  intestines,  or  bowels, 
liver,  spleen,  pancreas,  kidneys,  &c,  and  is  separated  from  the 
thorax,  or  chest,  by  the  diaphragm. 

Abortion.  Miscarriage,  slipping,  or  slinking  foal  or  calf, 
warping.  In  mares,  miscarriage  is  very  generally  caused  by 
over  exertion  during  the  latter  period  of  gestation.  It  is  not 
unfrequently  brought  about  by  accidents  at  grass,  such  as 
falling  in  a  ditch  or  hole,  and  struggling  violently  to  extri- 
cate themselves.  Kicks  on  the  belly  are  by  no  means  an  un- 
common cause  of  miscarriage  ;  for  which  reason,  a  mare,  when 
near  her  time,  should  be  kept  by  herself:  after  foaling  she  will 
require  a  few  weeks'  rest,  in  order  to  recover  from  the  effects 
of  parturition  ;  and  when  first  brought  into  work  again,  the 
services  required  of  her  should  be  very  slight.  Exposure  to 
wet  and  cold  will  occasion  miscarriage ;  also  high  feeding  and 
want  of  proper  exercise.  Abortion  is  of  more  frequent  occur- 
rence in  sheep  than  in  mares,  and  is  caused  by  fright,  over- 
driving, and  being  worried  by  dogs,  and  by  being  kept  in 
cold,  damp  situations,  and  on  improper  food. 

Cows  are  particularly  liable  to  the  accident  of  warping,  or 
slinking  the  calf.  The  common  cause  of  abortion  is  improper 
feeding.  The  filthy,  stagnant  water  they  are  often  compelled 
to  drink  is  likewise  a  serious  cause,  not  only  of  abortion,  but 


190  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

also  of  general  derangement  of  the  animal  functions.  Dr. 
White  states  that  "  a  farm  in  Gloucestershire  had  been  given 
up  three  successive  times  in  consequence  of  the  loss  the  own- 
ers sustained  by  abortion  in  their  cattle  :  at  length  the  fourth 
proprietor,  after  suffering  considerably  in  his  live  stock  for  the 
first  five  years,  suspected  that  the  water  of  his  ponds,  which 
was  extremely  filthy,  might  be  the  cause  of  the  mischief;  he 
therefore  dug  three  wells  upon  his  farm,  and  having  fenced 
round  the  ponds  to  prevent  his  cattle  from  drinking  there, 
caused  them  to  be  supplied  with  the  well  water  in  stone  troughs 
erected  for  the  purpose  ;  and  from  this  moment  his  live  stock 
began  to  thrive,  and  the  quality  of  the  butter  and  cheese  made 
on  his  farm  was  greatly  improved.  In  order  to  show,"  says 
the  same  author,  "  that  the  accident  of  warping  may  arise  from  a 
vitiated  state  of  the  digestive  organs,  I  will  here  notice  a  few 
circumstances  tending  to  corroborate  this  opinion.  In  1782, 
all  the  cows  in  possession  of  farmer  D'Euruse,  in  Picardy, 
miscarried.  The  period  at  which  they  warped  was  about  the 
fourth  or  fifth  month.  The  accident  was  attributed  to  the 
excessive  heat  of  the  preceding  summer  j  but  as  the  water 
they  were  in  the  habit  of  drinking  was  extremely  bad,  and 
they  had  been  kept  upon  oat,  wheat,  and  rye  straw,  it  appears 
to  me  more  probable,  that  the  great  quantity  of  straw  they 
were  obliged  to  eat,  in  order  to  obtain  sufficient  nourish- 
ment, and  the  injury  sustained  by  the  third  stomach,  in  ex- 
pressing the  fluid  parts  of  the  masticated  or  ruminated  mass, 
together  with  the  large  quantity  of  water  they  drank,  while 
kept  on  this  dry  food,  was  the  real  cause  of  their  miscarrying." 
"A  farmer  at  Chareton,  out  of  a  dairy  of  twenty-eight 
cows,  had  sixteen  slip  their  calves  at  different  periods  of  ges- 
tation. The  summer  had  been  very  dry,  and  during  the 
whole  of  this  season,  they  had  been  pastured  in  a  muddy  place, 
which  was  flooded  by  the  Seine.  Here  the  cows  were  gen- 
erally up  to  their  knees  in  mud  and  water.  In  1789,  all  the 
cows  in  a  village  near  Mantes  miscarried.  All  the  land  in 
this  place  was  so  stiff  as  to  hold  water  for  some  time  ;  and  as 
a  vast  quantity  of  rain  fell  that  year,  the  pastures  were  for  a 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  191 

long  time  completely  inundated,  on  which  account  the  grass 
became  bad  :  this  shows  that  keeping  cows  on  food  that  is 
deficient  in  nutrition,  and  difficult  of  digestion,  is  one  of  the 
principal  causes  of  miscarriage."  'It  is  supposed  that  the  sight 
of  a  slipped  calf,  the  smell  of  putrid  animal  substance,  is  apt  to 
produce  warping.  Some  curious  cases  of  abortion  which  are 
worthy  of  notice  happened  in  the  dairy  of  a  French  farmer. 
For  thirty  years  his  cows  had  been  subject  to  abortion.  His 
cow-house  was  large  and  well  ventilated ;  his  cows  were  in 
apparent  health  ;  they  were  fed  like  others  in  the  village  ; 
they  drank  the  same  water  ;  there  was  nothing  different  in  the 
pasture ;  he  had  changed  his  servants  many  times  in  the 
course  of  thirty  years  ;  he  pulled  down  the  barn  or  cow  house, 
and  built  another,  on  a  different  plan  ;  he  even,  agreeably  to 
superstition,  took  away  the  aborted  calf  through  the  window, 
that  the  curse  of  future  abortion  might  not  be  entailed  on  the 
cow  that  passed  over  the  same  threshold.  To  make  all  sure, 
he  had  broken  through  the  wall  at  the  end  of  the  cow-house, 
and  opened  a  new  door.  But  still  the  trouble  continued. 
Several  of  his  cows  had  died  in  the  act  of  abortion,  and  he 
had  replaced  them  by  others:  many  had  been  sold,  and  their 
vacancies  filled  up.  He  was  advised  to  make  a  thorough 
change.  This  had  never  occurred  to  him  ;  but  at  once  he  saw 
the  propriety  of  the  counsel.  He  sold  every  beast,  and  the 
pest  was  stayed,  and  never  appeared  in  his  new  stock.  This 
was  owing,  probably,  to  sympathetic  influence ;  and  the 
result  of  such  influence  is  as  fatal  as  the  direct  contagion. 
(See  Youatt.) 

The  usual  symptoms  preceding  abortion  are  a  sudden  filling 
of  the  udder,  and  a  loose,  flabby,  and  sometimes  swollen 
appearance  of  the  genitals,  which  discharge  a  little  red-colored 
fluid.  The  lancet  and  medicine  have  been  resorted  to  with 
very  little  success.  Both  of  them  are  decidedly  injurious: 
the  animal  should  be  put  into  some  dry,  sheltered  place  by 
herself,  and  kept  on  boiled  mashes  and  gruel  for  a  few  days. 

Absorbents.  Medicines  that  are  given  for  the  purpose  of 
neutralizing  acid  gas,  or  acidity  of  the  stomach,  such  as  lime- 


192  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

water,  magnesia,  &c. ;  yet  the  relief  they  afford  is  only 
temporary. 

Absorbent  Vessels.     (See  Absorption,  part  first.) 

Absinthium.  Common  wormwood,  used  for  the  purpose 
of  reducing  swellings  that  have  resulted  from  violence.  Two 
ounces  of  wormwood  are  steeped  in  one  quart  of  New  England 
rum  j  if  a  limb  of  the  animal  is  involved,  the  wormwood  is 
then  bound  on  with  bandages,  and  the  parts  occasionally  wet- 
ted with  the  fluid. 

Acacia.  Gum  arabic,  used  as  a  demulcent  and  lubricant. 
In  poisoning  it  is  useful  to  sheathe  the  membranes  of  the 
stomach  and  alimentary  canal,  and  will  defend  them  from  the 
action  of  drastic  purges. 

Acacia  Catechu.  Gum  catechu.  This  is  a  powerful 
astringent :  it  is  made  from  a  tree  that  grows  in  Japan. 

Acetabulum.  The  socket  in  which  the  head  of  the  thigh 
bone  is  lodged. 

Acids  are  distinguished  by  their  sour  taste  ;  they  readily 
combine  with  alkalies,  producing  effervescence. 

Action.  The  gait  of  a  horse,  which  depends  on  his 
powers  and  the  mode  of  training. 

Actual  Cautery.     Red-hot  iron.     (See  Firing.) 

Acute.  A  term  applied  to  those  diseases  which  are  sud- 
den in  their  attack  and  violence,  accompanied  with  great  pain. 

Age.  The  age  of  a  horse  may  be  known  by  marks  in 
the  front  teeth  and  tusks  of  the  under  jaw,  until  he  is  about 
eight  years  old,  after  which  period  it  is  a  matter  of  guess- 
work ;  yet  those  who  are  expert  can  tell  very  near  the  exact  age. 
There  are  many  circumstances  which  tend  to  show  whether 
a  horse  be  old  or  not.  The  number  of  a  horse's  teeth  is 
forty,  —  twenty-four  grinders,  and  sixteen  others, — by  some  of 
which  his  age  may  be  known  up  to  a  certain  period.  Mares 
have  only  thirty-six  teeth,  as  in  them  the  tushes  are  usually 
wanting.  A  few  days  after  birth,  the  colt  puts  forth  two  small 
front  teeth  in  the  upper  and  under  jaws,  and  soon  after  two 
more  :  these  are  called  nippers.  The  next  four  shortly  after- 
wards make  their  appearance.     The  four  corner  teeth  —  as 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  193 

they  are  termed  —  come  a  few  months  after  the  last  named. 
These  twelve  teeth,  in  the  front  of  the  mouth,  are  small  and 
white,  and  continue  without  much  alteration  until  the  colt  is 
about  two  years  and  a  half  old,  when  he  begins  to  shed  them. 
The  two  teeth  that  first  make  their  appearance  are  the  first 
that  are  lost,  and  are  replaced  by  two  others,  called  horse's 
teeth,  considerably  stronger  and  larger  than  those  that  have 
made  way  for  them.  Between  the  third  and  fourth  year,  the 
two  teeth  next  the  first  fall  out,  and  are  in  like  manner 
replaced  by  horse's  teeth.  Between  the  fourth  and  fifth  year, 
the  corner  teeth  are  changed  ;  the  tushes  make  their  appear- 
ance. About  the  fifth  year,  the  horse  is  said  to  have  a  full 
month.  After  this  period,  up  to  the  eighth  year,  the  age  of  a 
horse  can,  with  some  degree  of  certainty,  be  known  by  the 
cavities  in  the  teeth,  which  at  first  are  deep,  but  are  gradu- 
ally, by  the  process  of  mastication,  worn  down,  and  about  the 
eighth  year  disappear.  After  the  fifth  year,  the  above  crite- 
rion of  age  may  be  corroborated  by  the  grooves  in  the  tushes 
of  the  male,  which  are  inside  :  they  are  two  in  number.  At 
six,  one  of  these  cavities,  viz.,  the  one  next  the  grinder,  dis- 
appears ;  at  seven,  the  other  is  considerably  diminished,  and 
at  eight  is,  in  most,  but  not  always,  entirely  gone.  After 
this  period,  the  tushes  become  more  blunt  and  round.  The 
marks  in  the  upper  teeth  are  by  some  considered  indicative 
of  the  horse's  age ;  those  in  the  two  front  teeth  disappearing 
at  eight,  in  the  two  next  at  ten,  and  in  the  corner  teeth  at 
twelve.  The  marks  in  the  lower  teeth  Avill  disappear  about 
the  eighth  year. 

As  a  horse  grows  old,  he  generally  turns  more  or  less  gray  ; 
the  cavities  above  the  eyes  become  deeper  ;  the  under  lip  falls  ; 
the  gums  shrink  away  from  the  teeth,  giving  them  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  greater  length ;  the  back  becomes  hollow,  or 
curved. 

Age  of  Neat  Cattle    is  known   by  their  horns.     At  the 

age  of  about  two  years,  they  shed  their  first  fore  teeth,  which 

are  replaced  by  others,  larger  and  more  prominent ;  about  five, 

the  early  teeth  are  all  replaced  by  the  permanent  ones.     As 

25 


194  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

the  animal  advances  in  years,  these  teeth  wear  down,  the 
enamel  disappears,  and  they  assume  a  black  or  brown  appear- 
ance. When  three  years  old,  a  change  takes  place  in  the 
structure  of  the  horns  ;  after  which  period  these  appendages, 
like  the  permanent  teeth,  preserve  the  same  character.  Af- 
ter the  third  year,  the  horns  continue  to  grow  as  long  as  the 
animal  lives,  and  the  age  is  indicated  by  the  rings,  or  prom- 
inences, which  are  easily  distinguished  on  the  horn,  and  by 
which  the  age  of  the  creature  may  be  nearly  ascertained,  by 
adding  three  years  to  the  number  of  rings. 

Airing,  in  the  management  of  horses,  implies  exercising 
them  in  the  open  air.     (See  Exercise,  part  first.) 

Albumen.  That  part  of  the  white  of  an  egg  which 
coagulates  into  a  solid  mass  when  boiled  ;  it  abounds  in  the 
bones,  muscles,  cartilage,  hoof,  hair,  &c. 

Alcohol.  Rectified  spirit.  This  is  extensively  used  in 
medicine  for  making  tinctures.  With  an  equal  quantity  of 
water  it  is  termed  New  England  rum.  Alcohol  is  a  powerful 
irritant  and  caustic  poison,  to  whatever  part  of  the  horse  it  is 
applied.  If  applied  externally,  it  causes  swelling,  pain,  and 
irritation  ;  if  given  internally,  it  absorbs  from  the  living  parts 
the  serous  or  watery  portion,  and  condenses  the  fibrous  struc- 
ture. Alcohol  diluted  in  any  form,  acts  on  the  horse  as  a 
diuretic,  causing  the  kidneys  to  secrete  a  large  amount  of 
urine,  in  consequence  of  which  they  became  overworked,  and 
finally  diseased.  It  is  used  as  a  diffusible  stimulant.  The 
best  substitute  is  warm  ginger  tea. 

Aliment.  That  which  nourishes  the  system.  (See  Feed- 
ing, part  first.) 

Alkalies.  There  are  different  sorts :  soda,  potash,  and 
ammonia,  are  alkalies. 

Aloes.  Obtained  from  the  aloe  plant.  The  aloes  now  in 
use  as  a  cathartic  for  horses,  cattle,  and  sheep  are  the  Bar- 
badoes.  Pure  Barbadoes  aloes  are  of  a  dark  brown  color, 
present  a  rough  appearance  when  broken,  and  have  a  dis- 
agreeable smell. 

Alteratives.     A  class  of  medicines  that  act  gradually  and 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  195 

permanently  upon  the  horse,  by  increasing  the  tone  and 
vigor  of  the  secreting,  excreting,  and  .absorbing  system, 
without  diminishing  or  destroying  their  power.  (See 
Appendix.) 

Althea.  Marsh  mallows.  This  plant  is  generally  used  in 
the  formation  of  emollient  drinks,  as  it  contains  a  large 
amount  of  mucilage. 

Alum.     A  mineral  astringent,  used  to  destroy  proud  flesh. 

Amaurosis.  A  disease  of  the  eye,  generally  causing  total 
blindness.  It  may  be  known  by  the  pupil  being  large  and 
open  ;  on  passing  the  hand  before  the  eye,  the  horse  will  not 
avoid  it. 

Anasarca.  That  form  of  dropsy  that  affects  the  whole,  or 
nearly  the  whole  system,  or,  in  other  words,  an  effusion  of 
serum  into  the  meshes  of  the  cellular  tissue. 

Anastomosis.  The  communication  of  blood-vessels  with 
each  other,  or  their  opening  one  into  the  other,  by  which 
means,  when  the  passage  of  blood  through  an  artery  or  vein  is 
prevented  by  ligature,  compression,  or  any  other  cause,  the 
circulation  is  still  kept  up  by  means  of  the  anastomosing 
vessels. 

Anatomy.  The  science  that  teaches  the  structure  of  the 
animal  economy. 

Analysis.  The  resolution  of  compound  bodies  into  their 
original  or  constituent  principles. 

Anchylosis.  The  loss  of  motion  in  a  joint.  There  are 
two  kinds,  called  complete  and  incomplete.  In  the  former, 
the  joint  has  grown  together  so  as  to  be  immovable ;  in  the 
latter,  some  motion  remains,  and  the  rigidity  is  owing  to  the 
contraction  and  thickening  of  the  ligaments.  Anchylosis  in 
the  horse  is  not  unfrequently  a  consequence  of  wounds  or 
bruises  ;  the  latter,  causing  an  absorption  of  the  fluids  that 
nourish  the  joint,  anchylosis  is  the  result.  In  bad  spavins  and 
ringbones,  there  is  frequently  anchylosis  of  the  hock  and  pas- 
tern joints.  The  author's  attention  has  lately  been  called  to 
a  case  of  ringbone  that  had  been  operated  upon  by  some 
person   totally  unacquainted   with   the  nature  of  the  disease. 


196  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

The  operation  was  performed  in  the  most  cruel  and  barbar- 
ous manner.  The  operator  having  never  studied  the  anatomy 
of  the  parts,  it  could  not  be  otherwise  expected.  On  an  ex- 
amination of  the  animal,  ossific  or  bony  deposits  were  found 
inside  the  hind  legs,  in  the  form  of  spavin  ;  deposits  also  ex- 
isted on  the  cannon  bones,  and  on  the  pasterns,  thus  proving 
that  the  disease  was  incurable  j  the  general  health  was  im- 
paired, the  knees  sprung,  and  the  animal  was  pronounced  by 
the  owner  to  be  worthless  ;  yet  this  specimen  of  inhumanity, 
the  self-styled  "doctor,"  had  the  audacity  to  state  that  he 
could  perform  a  cure  for  the  trifling  sum  of  five  dollars.  The 
fact  of  his  attempting  to  cure  a  constitutional  disease  by  local 
means,  under  such  unfavorable  circumstances,  shows  that  he 
was  an  ignoramus;  and  the  barbarous  manner  in  which  he 
performed  the  operation  shows  that  he  was  destitute  of  every 
particle  of  humanity.  The  author  has  digressed  merely  for 
the  purpose  of  warning  owners  of  domestic  animals  against 
trusting  them,  when  diseased,  in  the  hands  of  those  who  are 
unacquainted  with  their  mechanism. 

Aneurism.  A  tumor  filled  with  blood,  communicating 
with  an  artery.  It  usually  occurs  from  rupture  of  one  of  the 
coats  of  the  artery,  and  dilatation  of  the  cellular  coat  :  it  is  then 
denominated  true  aneurism.  When  an  artery  is  wounded, 
and  the  blood  escapes  into  the  surrounding  tissues,  it  is  called 
false  aneurism. 

The  general  mode  of  curing  aneurism  is  by  tying  a  ligature 
around  the  artery  ;  the  coats  of  the  artery  become  united,  and 
part  of  the  artery  obliterated ;  the  circulation  is  carried  on  by 
anastomosing  vessels.  (See  Anastomosis.)  Some  aneurisms 
have  been  known  to  undergo  certain  natural  changes,  by 
which  they  have  been  spontaneously  cured,  thus  proving 
that  the  vital  power  is  more  efficient  "  than  an  evil  system 
of  medication." 

Anise  Seed.  A  mild  carminative.  It  is  much  used  in  vet- 
erinary practice,  and  is  one  of  the  ingredients  in  cordial  balls. 

Anodynes.  Medicines  that  relieve  pain,  procure  sleep,  and 
lessen  the  irritability  of  the  nervous  system. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  197 

Anthelmintics.  Medicines  that  destroy  worms,  and  are 
supposed  to  cause  their  expulsion  from  the  animal.  Many 
of  the  remedies  recommended  by  veterinary  writers  would 
be  more  likely  to  kill  the  horse  instead  of  the  former  ;  they 
are  calomel,  antimony,  &c.  The  proper  method  of  prevent- 
ing the  generation  of  worms  in  the  alimentary  canal,  is  to 
pay  attention  to  feeding,  watering,  &c. 

Antimony.  A  corrosive  mineral  poison.  It  has  been  ex- 
tensively used  in  veterinary  practice,  and  has  entailed  on  the 
brute  creation  more  diseases  than  it  ever  cured.  There  are 
numerous  preparations  of  antimony,  but  they  are  all  more  or 
less  destructive.  Large  quantities  of  this  destructive  mineral 
have  been  used  on  horses ;  yet  in  some  cases,  where  there  is 
vital  power  enough  in  the  animal  to  dispossess  it  from  the 
system,  no  immediate  unfavorable  results  were  observed. 
Yet  it  is  an  agent  of  such  diversified  therapeutical  powers, 
that  the  wisest  of  the  faculty  have  never  ventured  to  pre- 
scribe and  fix  limits  to  its  action. 

Antiseptics.  Medicines  that  correct  and  prevent  putridi- 
ty ;  the  best  and  most  efficient  are  charcoal,  Peruvian  bark, 
acetic  acid,  and  bayberry  bark. 

Antispasmodics.  Medicines  that  are  employed  in  spas- 
modic and  convulsive  disorders ;  the  most  efficient  are  assa- 
foetida,  pennyroyal,  or  any  of  the  mints,  such  as  spearmint, 
catnip.  The  most  powerful  in  spasm,  or  lockjaw,  are  lobelia, 
warmth  and  moisture,  castor,  musk,  ginseng,  and  Indian  hemp, 
or  milk  weed. 

Apoplexy.  A  disease  which  is  often  called  staggers. 
(See  part  first.) 

Arm.     A  term  applied  to  the  upper  part  of  the  fore  leg. 

Aromatics.  Medicines  that  have  a  warm,  pungent  taste, 
and  fragrant  smell ;  of  this  kind  are  cardamom  seeds,  cloves, 
and  nutmegs,  sweet  flag,  &c. 

Arsenic  A  destructive  mineral  poison.  It  has  been  used 
in  many  diseases  of  the  horse,  without  the  slightest  benefit. 
Dr.  White  states,  "  so  various  are  its  effects,  that  he  has 
known  a  very  small  quantity  to  terminate  fatally."     It  was 


198  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

formerly  used  as  a  local  remedy  in  glanders  ;  but  as  the  dis- 
ease is  general,  it  could  not  possibly  be  cured  by  local  reme- 
dies. 

Arteries.     For  a  description,  see  Circulation,  part  first. 

Arteriotomy.     The  operation  of  opening  an  artery. 

Ascites.     Dropsy  of  the  abdomen.     (See  Dropsy.) 

Asthma.  Supposed  to  originate  in  the  muscles  of  respi- 
ration.    (See  Cough,  Roaring,  &c.) 

Astringents.  Medicines  that  contract  and  condense 
muscular  fibre.  The  principal  are  kino,  catechu,  oak  bark, 
nutgalls,  and  bayberry  bark. 

Atmosphere.  The  name  given  to  an  elastic  invisible  fluid 
which  surrounds  the  globe  ;  it  is  composed  of  oxygen,  nitro- 
gen, and  a  small  portion  of  carbonic  acid  gas.  In  stables  that 
are  not  ventilated,  the  vapor  arising  from  the  dung  and  urine 
combine  with  it,  and  render  it  unfit  for  respiration. 

Atlas.     The  first  vertebra,  or  bone  of  the  neck. 

Atrophy.     A  wasting  of  the  body. 

Auricles.  The  two  small  cavities  of  the  heart.  (See 
Heart.) 

B 

Backgalled.  When  accidents  of  this  kind  occur,  the 
saddle  or  harness  should  be  padded,  or  chambered,  so  as  to 
remove  pressure  from  the  part  ;  sometimes  they  are  difficult 
to  heal,  owing  to  the  presence  of  morbific  matter  in  the  sys- 
tem.    (For  treatment,  see  Appendix.) 

Backraking.  This  is  a  name  given  by  farriers  to  the 
operation  of  introducing  the  hand  into  the  fundament,  and 
emptying  the  rectum  of  its  contents.  The  use  of  injections 
will,  ere  long,  supersede  this  beastly  practice.  The  most 
suitable  injection  to  soften  the  faeces,  is  warm  soapsuds. 

Back  Sinews.  The  flexor  tendons  of  the  fore  and  hind 
legs  are  so  named.  They  are  frequently  strained,  or  other- 
wise injured,  by  over  exertion,  or  accidents. 

Ball.  Bolus,  or  large  pill.  The  mode  of  giving  a  ball  is 
by  drawing  out  the  tongue  to  the  right  side,  and  holding  it 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  199 

in  the  left  hand,  while  an  assistant  stands  on  the  left  side  and 
holds  the  mouth  open.  The  ball  is  to  be  held  by  the  finger 
and  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  drawn  into  as  small  a  compass 
as  possible,  and  passed  as  far  as  the  horse's  throat.  This 
must  be  done  by  a  quick  motion  of  the  hand,  which  should 
be  kept  towards  the  roof  of  the  mouth,  as  there  is  more  room 
for  it  in  that  direction.  The  most  safe  and  efficient  method 
of  giving  medicine  to  either  horses,  cattle,  or  sheep,  is  in  a 
fluid  form. 

Balsam.  A  name  applied  to  several  resinous  substances, 
such  as  balsam  of  tolu,  Peruvian  balsam,  balsam  copaiba,  &c, 
Canada  or  fir  balsam  j  the  medicinal  properties  are  stimulant 
and  diuretic. 

Balsam  Copaiba,  or  Capivi,  is  used  for  chronic  cough ;  the 
dose  is  about  one  ounce. 

Balsam  of  Sulphur.  A  preparation  made  by  boiling 
sulphur  and  olive  oil  together,  until  united  in  the  form  of  a 
dark-colored  tenacious  mass.  This  has  been  much  esteemed 
by  old  farriers  in  obstinate  coughs.  When  mixed  with  a 
small  proportion  of  oil  of  anise  seed,  it  has  been  thought  more 
efficacious,  and  is  then  named  anisated  balsam  of  sulphur. 

Bandage.  Strips  of  linen,  cotton,  or  flannel,  about  three 
or  four  inches  wide.  They  are  serviceable  in  habitual  swell- 
ings of  the  legs,  in  weakness  of  the  fetlock  joint.  They 
are  likewise  used  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  on  dressings,  or 
assisting  in  uniting  parts  that  are  cut  or  lacerated  ;  they  assist 
by  pressure  in  expelling  matter,  or  preventing  the  descent  of 
ruptures,  and  as  compresses  for  restraining  bleeding,  or 
hemorrhage.  The  mode  of  applying  the  bandage  to  the  leg 
is  as  follows  :  the  material,  after  being  cut  the  proper  width, 
mast  be  rolled  up,  and  the  bandage  fixed  by  taking  two  or 
three  turns  in  the  same  place  ;  after  which  the  roller  may  be 
carried  round  spirally,  taking  care  that  every  turn  of  the 
bandage  overlaps  about  two  thirds  of  the  preceding  one. 
When  the  inequality  of  the  parts  cause  the  margin  to  slack, 
it  must  be  reversed,  or  folded  over  ;  that  is,  its  upper  margin 
must  become  the  lower,  &c.      A   bandage   should  be   mod- 


200  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

erately  tight,  so  as  to  support  the  parts  without  intercepting 
the  circulation,  and  should  be  so  applied  as  to  press  equally 
on  every  part.  In  bandaging  a  horse's  leg,  the  roller  should 
be  applied  from  the  upper  part  of  the  hoof  to  the  knee  j  in 
every  case  it  is  advisable  to  bandage  from  joint  to  joint,  thus 
leaving  the  joint  at  liberty.  When  it  is  found  necessary  to 
bandage  a  joint,  the  bandage  should  be  put  on  in  the  form 
of  a  figure  8. 

Barb.  A  general  name  for  horses  imported  from  Barbary. 
The  barb,  one  of  the  most  celebrated  of  the  African  races,  is 
to  be  met  with  in  Barbary,  Tripoli,  and  Morocco  ;  it  seldom 
exceeds  more  than  fourteen  hands  and  a  half  in  height.  The 
barb  requires  more  excitement  to  call  out  his  powers  than  the 
Arabian  ;  but  when  sufficiently  excited,  his  qualities  of  speed 
and  endurance  render  him  a  powerful  antagonist  to  the 
Arabian. 

Bark.  This  name  is  generally  applied  to  several  different 
species  of  Peruvian  bark,  the  yellow  and  the  red.  The 
active  principle  of  the  yellow  bark  is  an  alkaloid  principle, 
called  quinse,  combined  with  a  peculiar  acid,  called  kinic,  or 
cinchonic,  in  the  state  of  an  acid  salt ;  besides  these,  it  con- 
tains an  oily  and  a  yellow  coloring  matter,  tannin,  kinate  of 
lime,  and  woody  fibre.  Their  value  in  treating  diseases  of 
the  horse,  consists  in  their  tonic  and  astringent  properties. 
It  should  be  given  to  the  horse  in  the  form  of  infusion ;  one 
ounce  of  powdered  bark  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water.  It  is 
also  useful  to  restore  indolent  ulcers  to  a  healthy  state.  The 
best  tonic  for  a  horse  is  hydrastis  Canadensis,  (golden  seal.) 

Bar  Shoe.  A  particular  kind  of  shoe,  which  is  sometimes 
used  to  protect  the  frog  from  injury  ;  also  in  corns.  (See 
Contraction,  part  first.) 

Bars  of  the  Foot.     (See  Foot,  part  first.) 

Bars  of  the  Mouth.  Transverse  ridges  on  the  roof  of 
the  mouth  ;  they  are  most  conspicuous,  or  full,  in  a  young 
horse.  When  swollen,  or  fuller  than  usual,  the  horse  is  said 
to  have  the  lampas.     (See  Lampas.) 

Basilicon.     A  digestive  ointment,  composed  of  equal  parts 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  20  J 

of  olive  oil,  yellow  beeswax,  and  common  resin,  (or  rosin.) 
These  are  to  be  melted  over  a  slow  fire,  and  stirred  until  the 
mixture  is  quite  cool. 

Bay.  A  bay  color,  in  horses,  is  so  named  from  its  resem- 
blance to  dried  bay  leaves. 

Biceps.  The  biceps  is  a  double-headed  muscle,  which 
serves  to  bend  a  limb. 

Bile,  or  Gall.  A  bitter  greenish  fluid,  secreted  by  the 
liver  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  digestion.  In  the  horse 
there  is  no  gall  bladder,  or  receptacle  for  the  bile  ;  it  passes 
directly  into  the  duodenum,  or  first  of  the  small  intestines,  a 
few  inches  from  the  stomach. 

Bilious.  Diseases  are  called  bilious,  when  they  deuend  on 
a  morbid  state  of  the  liver. 

Bits.  There  are  various  kinds  of  bits  in  use  ;  among  them 
are  the  snaffle  and  curb.  A  snaffle  may  be  either  plain  or 
twisted,  but  the  latter  is  apt  to  make  the  mouth  callous  ;  it 
consists  of  two  pieces,  having  a  sort  of  hinge  joint  in  the 
centre.  When  used  for  the  purpose  of  breaking  young  colts, 
it  should  be  made  large,  so  as  not  to  hurt  the  mouth.  The 
form  of  the  curb  bit  resembles  somewhat  the  letter  H.  The 
bridle  is  fastened  to  the  side  pieces,  which  act  as  levers  of 
different  powers,  according  to  the  distance  from  the  cross-bar, 
to  which  the  bridle  is  attached.  The  humane  man  will  never 
inflict  unnecessary  severity  on  the  horse,  and  will  avoid  con- 
tinual strain  on  the  reins  or  bridle,  which,  aside  from  the 
torture  they  inflict,  tend  to  render  the  horse's  mouth 
callous.  The  best  form  of  bit,  and  the  most  simple,  is  the 
stiff,  arched  bit.  The  author  has  seen  a  very  fine  specimen 
of  this  article,  manufactured  by  .Messrs.  Hannaford  &  lisle y, 
of  this  city.  The  centre  piece  is  large  and  curved  ;  the 
checks  are  movable,  and  their  upper  ends  curved  outwards, 
which  prevents  their  injuring  the  cheek  bones.  It  is  very 
important  that  a  horse  should  be  properly  bitted  ;  many  docile 
horses  are  rendered  stubborn  and  unmanageable,  by  having  a 
bit  that  is  too  narrow.  Many  young  horses  are  injured  while 
they  are  teething,  and  the  mouth  is  tender,  by  bearing  too 
26 


202  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

hard  on  the  rein.  The  author  would  suggest  a  trial  of  ap 
India  rubber  centrepiece,  in  such  cases. 

Bite  of  any  rabid  animal.  In  most  works  on  veterinary 
science,  the  writers  recommend  excision,  or  cutting  out  the 
bitten  part,  and  afterwards  cauterizing  with  the  firing  iron; 
but  this  method  is  very  unsatisfactory,  and  only  puts  the 
animal  to  unnecessary  torment.  The  morbid  matter  from  a 
rabid  animal  is  generally  taken  up  by  the  absorbents,  some- 
times in  a  few  seconds,  and  the  operation  of  cauterizing 
would  then  be  of  no  avail.  The  treatment  we  recommend, 
is  to  dose  the  animal  with  a  tea  of  lobelia ;  half  a  pound  of 
the  herb  and  seed  may  be  steeped  in  two  quarts  of  scalding 
water,  and  given  in  doses  of  half  a  pint,  at  intervals  of  an 
hour.  A  large  poultice  of  the  same  should  be  bound  on  the 
bitten  part,  and  kept  in  contact  with  the  parts,  by  bandages, 
and  the  poultice  renewed  every  six  hours,  until  all  signs  of 
poisoning  disappear.  The  animal  should  be  kept  on  scalded 
shorts,  in  moderate  quantities. 

Black  Water.  This  is  sometimes  a  termination  of  red 
water.     (See  Red  Water.) 

Bladder.  The  bladder  is  a  musculo-membranous  bag, 
situated,  when  empty,  in  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis.  Its  use  is 
to  contain  the  urine,  which  flows  into  it  through  the  ureters, 
from  the  kidneys.  It  is  divided  into  three  parts,  viz.,  the 
fundus  or  bottom,  the  body,  and  the  neck.  When  full,  the 
fundus  of  the  bladder  protrudes  out  of  the  pelvis,  into  the 
abdominal  cavity ;  it  then  receives  a  covering  from  the  perito- 
neum. Its  other  coats  are  an  internal  mucous  membrane,  and 
an  external  muscular  coat,  formed  of  two  distinct  sets  of 
fibres  ;  the  one  longitudinal,  and  the  other  circular.  The 
former  are  thickest  about  the  fundus,  the  latter  about  the 
neck  or  cervix,  which,  by  this  arrangement,  is  always  kept 
closed,  except  during  the  time  of  voiding  the  urine.  On 
opening  horses  that  have  died  from  accident,  we  sometimes 
find  the  bladder  empty,  and  its  muscular  fibres  so  condensed, 
that  it  appears  like  a  solid  mass  of  small  dimensions ;  such  is 
the  contractile  power  of  its  muscular  coat,  by  which,  with 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  203 

some  assistance  from  the  abdominal  muscles  and  diaphragm, 
the  urine  is  expelled.  The  author  has  opened  several  horses 
that  have  died  from  lockjaw,  and  found  the  bladder  distended 
to  its  utmost  capacity,  containing  about  a  gallon  and  a  half 
of  dark-colored  fluid  resembling  coffee-grounds.  In  one  case 
the  muscular  fibres  about  the  neck  of  the  bladder  were  lacer- 
ated by  the  over-distention  and  spasm  of  the  neck  of  that 
oreran.  When  horses  are  accustomed  to  drink  too  much 
water  without  being  allowed  to  stale  often  enough  at  work, 
the  bladder  becomes  overworked,  and  often  paralysis,  weakness, 
or  local  debility  sets  in,  and  the  neck  of  the  bladder  becomes 
at  length  so  relaxed  as  to  be  unable  to  offer  sufficient  resist- 
ance to  the  muscles  that  propel  the  urine  into  the  urethra,  so 
that  it  is  constantly  dribbling  off  as  fast  as  it  is  secreted. 
This  is  termed  incontinence  of  urine. 

Sometimes  the  irritability  of  the  bladder,  in  the  latter  case, 
depends  on  the  acrimony  of  the  urine ;  and  whenever  this  is 
the  case,  attention  to  feeding,  watering,  &c,  will  remove  it. 
Diseases  of  the  kidneys  and  bladder  are  accompanied  with 
tenderness  over  the  loins,  and  a  remarkable  stiffness  of  the 
hind  legs.  Whenever  the  bladder  is  distended  with  urine, 
recourse  should  be  had  to  the  catheter. 

Palsy,  or  Paralysis,  of  the  bladder  is  sometimes  dependent 
on  functional  derangements,  as  stomach  staggers,  or  injuries 
to  the  brain  and  spinal  marrow.  (For  treatment,  see  the 
author's  pamphlet.) 

Blasting.  When  cattle  or  sheep  are  first  turned  into  lux- 
uriant pasture,  after  being  poorly  fed,  they  frequently  gorge 
themselves  with  food,  which,  fermenting  in  the  rumen,  or 
paunch,  so  distends  it  with  gas,  that  the  animal  is  often  in  dan- 
ger of  suffocation.  The  symptoms  are  most  distressing;  and, 
unless  relief  be  speedily  afforded,  death  very  commonly  en- 
sues. If  the  symptoms  are  very  alarming,  a  flexible  tube 
may  be  passed  down  the  gullet :  this  will  generally  allow  the 
gas  to  escape  and  afford  temporary  relief,  until  more  efficient 
means  are  resorted  to  ;  these  will  consist  in  arousing  the 
stomach  and  digestive  organs  to  action,  by  stimulants  and  car- 


204 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 


minatives,  (see  Carminatives,)  and  counteracting  the  tendency 
to  putrescence  by  doses  of  charcoal  or  lobelia.  Some  prac 
titioners  recommend  puncturing  the  rumen,  or  paunch  ;  but 
there  is  always  great  danger  attending  it,  and  at  best  it  is  only 
palliative,  and  the  process  of  fermentation  will  proceed  ;  the 
gas  may  escape,  but  the  *iaterials  that  furnished  it  still 
remain.  Youatt  states,  "Acow  had  eaten  a  large  quantity 
of  food,  and  was  hoven.  A  neighbor,  who  was  supposed  to 
know  a  great  deal  about  cattle,  made  an  incision  into  the 
paunch  ;  the  gas  escaped,  a  great  portion  of  the  food  was 
removed  with  the  hand,  and  the  animal  appeared  to  be  con- 
siderably relieved,  but  rumination  did  not  return  :  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  the  animal  was  dull ;  she  refused  her  food,  but 
was  eager  to  drink.  She  became  worse  and  worse,  and  on 
the  sixth  day  she  died  ;  "  thus  proving  that  the  remedy  was 
worse  than  the  disease. 

When  animals  are  blasted  in  a  moderate  degree,  the  car- 
minative drink,  and  decoction  of  lobelia,  will  prove  effectual. 
In  all  cases  of  hove,  it  will  be  advisable  to  give  injections  of 
warm  water,  to  which  add  a  handful  of  salt,  and  the  same 
quantity  of  charcoal.  As  a  means  of  preventing  the  blast,  it 
may  be  remarked,  that  animals  should  never  be  turned  into 
any  nutritive  pasture  while  the  dew  is  on  the  ground,  or  after 
rain. 

Bleeding.     (See  part  first.) 

Blemishes.  They  consist  of  broken  knees,  loss  of  hair, 
cracked  heels,  false  quarters,  splents,  windgalls,  spavins,  &c. 

Blind,  Moon.  A  disease  of  the  horse's  eyes,  which  is  sup- 
posed to  be  the  forerunner  of  cataract,  and  often  ends  in 
total  blindness. 

Blindness.     (See  Eye.) 

Blister  Fly.  Cantharides,  or  Spanish  fly,  an  acrid  ani- 
mal poison. 

Bloodroot.  Sanguinaria  Canadensis,  used  to  prevent  the 
growth  of  fungus,  or  proud  flesh,  a  substitute  for  caustic. 

Blood  Spavin.     (See  Spavin.) 

Borax.    A  crystallized  salt :  when  powdered  and  moistened 


DICTIONARY  OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  205 

with   honey,  it   is  a  useful  application   for   sore  mouth    and 
lampas. 

Botts.  Short  reddish  worms  which  are  often  found 
attached  to  the  horse's  stomach.  Mr.  Clark  says,  "  that  botts 
are  not,  properly  speaking,  worms,  but  the  larvae  of  the  gad- 
fly, which  deposits  its  eggs  on  the  horse's  coat  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  that  they  shall  be  received  into  his  stomach,  and  then 
become  botts.  When  the  female  fly  has  become  impregnated, 
and  the  eggs  are  sufficiently  matured,  she  seeks  among  the 
horses  a  subject  for  her  purpose,  and  approaching  it  on  the 
wing,  she  holds  her  body  nearly  upright  in  the  air,  and  her 
tail,  which  is  lengthened  for  the  purpose,  carried  inwards  and 
upwards.  In  this  way  she  approaches  the  part  where  she 
designs  to  deposit  the  eggs,  and  suspending  herself  for  a  few 
seconds  before  it,  suddenly  darts  upon  it,  and  leaves  the  egg 
adhering  to  the  hair  by  means  of  a  glutinous  liquor  secreted 
with  it.  She  then  leaves  the  horse  at  a  small  distance,  and 
prepares  the  second  egg  ;  and  poising  herself  before  the  part, 
deposits  it  in  the  same  way ;  the  liquor  dries,  and  the  egg  be- 
comes firmly  glued  to  the  hair.  This  is  repeated  by  various 
flies,  till  four  or  five  hundred  eggs  are  sometimes  deposited  on 
one  horse.  They  are  usually  deposited  on  the  legs,  side,  and 
back  of  the  shoulder — those  parts  most  exposed  to  be  licked 
by  the  animal :  in  licking,  the  eggs  adhere  to  the  tongue,  and 
are  carried  into  the  horse's  stomach  in  the  act  of  swallowing. 
The  botts  attach  themselves  to  the  horse's  stomach,  and  are 
sometimes,  though  less  frequently,  found  in  the  first  intestine. 
The  number  varies  considerably  ;  sometimes  there  are  not  half 
a  dozen,  at  others  they  exceed  a  Imndred.  They  are  fixed 
by  the  small  end  to  the  inner  coat  of  the  stomach,  to  which 
they  attach  themselves  by  means  of  two  hooks.  The  slow- 
ness of  their  growth,  and  the  purity  of  their  food,  which  is 
supposed  to  be  the  chyle,  must  occasion  what  they  receive  in 
a  given  time  to  be  proportionably  small  ;  from  which,  perhaps, 
arises  the  extreme  difficulty  of  destroying  them  by  any  medi- 
cine or  poison  thrown  into  the  stomach."  A  large  amount  of 
opium,  tobacco,  and  corrosive  sublimate,  sufficient  to  destroy 


206  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

the  horse,  have  from  time  to  time  been  given ;  and  on  opening 
the  stomach,  these  animals  have  been  found  uninjured.  "  The 
presence  of  botts  in  the  horse's  stomach  is  not  easily  ascer- 
tained, as  it  is  certain  that  great  numbers  have  been  found  after 
death  in  the  stomach,  without  appearing  to  have  produced  any 
kind  of  inconvenience  to  the  animal  while  alive.  It  does  not 
appear  that  any  effectual  remedy  has  yet  been  discovered  for 
botts."  Mr.  Blaine  says  "  that  he  has  kept  them  alive  for 
some  days  in  olive  oil,  and  in  oil  of  turpentine,  and  that  even 
the  nitrous  and  sulphuric  acids  do  not  immediately  destroy 
them.  At  a  certain  season  of  the  year,  they  detach  them- 
selves from  the  stomach,  and  pass  off  with  the  excrement." 
A  run  at  grass  is  the  most  effectual  remedy. 

Bowels.      (See  Absorption  of  the  Chyle,  part  first.) 

Bow-legged.     Defective  conformation  of  the  legs. 

Box,  Loose.  A  loose  box,  as  it  is  generally  called,  is  a 
place  wherein  a  horse  is  turned  without  being  fastened  to  the 
manger  or  rack;  such  a  place  is  useful  to  turn  a  horse  into 
when  he  is  sick,  or  when  the  mare  is  about  foaling. 

Brain.  The  connection  that  exists  between  the  brain  and 
stomach  by  means  of  the  eighth  pair  of  nerves,  or  par  vagum, 
is  the  cause  of  this  important  organ  being  often  disturbed  in 
its  function.  Thus  it  is  that  when  the  stomach  is  loaded  with 
food,  its  function  becomes  deranged,  and  the  brain  is  affected 
sympathetically.  A  diseased  action  is  then  set  up,  and  all 
the  functions  become  more  or  less  deranged.  A  horse  in 
this  case  will  become  dull  and  languid,  and  sometimes  labor 
under  symptoms  of  apoplexy.  In  consequence  of  this  ner- 
vous communication  between  the  stomach  and  brain,  the  latter 
organ  is  sometimes  affected  by  the  irritation  of  botts  in  the 
stomach.  The  best  way  to  prevent  apoplexy,  staggers,  &c, 
is,  by  attention  to  diet,  exercise,  &c.  (See  Feeding,  Ex- 
ercise, part  first.) 

Dropsy  of  the  brain  does  not  often  occur  to  horses  or  cows ; 
but  sheep  appear  to  be  more  liable  to  the  disease  than  other 
quadrupeds.  The  symptoms  of  the  disorder  in  horses  are 
variable.     "  In  one   case  there  was  a  considerable  degree  of 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETEhlNARY    ART.  207 

dulness  and  heaviness  about  the  head  ;  the  pulse  was  not 
much  affected,  but  there  was  loss  of  appetite.  The  animal 
appeared  as  if  suffering  much  pain  in  the  head,  generally- 
keeping  it  lower  than  the  manger.  These  symptoms  were 
followed  by  delirium,  convulsions,  and  death.  In  another 
case,  when  probably  the  water  had  accumulated  very  gradu- 
ally in  the  ventricles  of  the  brain,  the  horse  appeared  to  be 
free  from  pain,  except  when  the  circulation  was  hurried  by 
brisk  motion,  when  he  would  fall  down  in  violent  spasms,  the 
fit  seldom  lasting  but  a  few  minutes.  This  horse,  being  of 
scarcely  any  value,  was  destroyed,  and  upon  opening  the 
brain,  about  six  ounces  of  water  escaped."  Sir  George  Mac- 
kenzie has  described  two  kinds  of  this  disease,  which  some- 
times happen  to  sheep  :  "  the  first  consists  of  an  accumu- 
lation of  water  in  the  ventricles  of  the  brain;  the  other  — 
which  is  most  common  —  arises  from  animalculae,  called  hy- 
datides.  In  this  case,  the  water  is  contained  in  cysts,  or  bags, 
unconnected  with  the  substance  of  the  brain,  on  which  it  acts 
fatally  by  pressure.  Yery  soon  after  water  has  begun  to  col- 
lect, either  in  the  ventricles  or  cysts,  the  animal  shows  evi- 
dent and  decisive  symptoms  of  the  disease.  He  starts,  looks 
giddy  and  confused,  as  if  at  a  loss  what  to  do ;  retires  from 
the  flock,  and  sometimes  exhibits  a  very  affecting  spectacle  of 
misery." 

Breaking.  The  breaking  of  young  horses  is  a  matter  of 
great  importance,  and  should  never  be  intrusted  to  any  one  of 
a  cruel  or  harsh  disposition,  as,  under  such  a  master,  the  very 
best  tempered  horse  may  be  rendered  vicious.  They  are  often 
broken  when  much  too  young  ;  they  are  often  found  racing 
at  three,  and  in  constant  work  before  they  are  four  years  old. 
This  is  one  of  the  causes  of  contracted  feet  and  lameness,  that 
are  continually  presenting  themselves  to  our  notice.  Farmers 
in  general  put  their  colts  to  work  too  young ;  and  although 
exercise  may  improve  their  growth  and  constitution,  yet  this 
advantage  is  more  than  counterbalanced  by  their  being  shod 
at  a  period  when  their  foot  is  tender. 

Breeding.     (See  Breeding,  part  first.) 


208  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Bridle  Hand.  The  left  is  called  the  bridle  hand,  in  contra- 
distinction to  the  right,  which  is  termed  the  whip  hand. 

Broken  Wind.  The  origin  of  broken  wind  is  supposed  to 
be  a  morbid  secretion  from  the  membrane  lining  the  windpipe, 
bronchial  tubes,  and  ramifications  ;  the  air-cells  are  some- 
times ruptured,  and  the  air  is  entangled  in  the  cellular  sub- 
stance, or  common  connecting  membrane.  The  bulk  of  the 
lungs  is  greatly  increased,  while  their  capacity  for  containing 
air  is  diminished.  It  is  stated  in  Rees's  Cyclopaedia,  under  the 
head  of  broken  wind,  "  that  after  opening  more  than  ten 
broken-winded  horses,  their  lungs  were  uniformly  found 
emphysematous.  (See  Emphysema.)  This  complaint  is  gen- 
erally considered  incurable  ;  but  it  may  often  be  alleviated 
by  constant  attention  to  diet."  The  animal  should  be  fed  on 
shorts,  and  green  food  if  it  can  be  procured,  and  boiled  car- 
rots. When  used,  his  exercise  should  at  first  be  moderate,  and 
he  should  never  be  exercised  immediately  after  feeding.  If 
the  horse  shows  any  disposition  to  eat  the  litter,  a  muzzle 
must  be  provided. 

According  to  Mr.  Richard  Lawrence,  "  the  most  common 
appearance  of  the  lungs  in  broken-winded  horses  is  a  general 
thickening  of  their  substance,  by  which  their  elasticity  is  in 
a  great  measure  destroyed,  and  their  weight  specifically 
increased.  At  the  same  time,  their  capacity  for  receiving  air 
is  diminished."  Dr.  "White  writes,  "  that  he  has  examined  the 
lungs  of  broken-winded  horses  without  observing  this  general 
thickening  of  their  substance  :  on  the  contrary,  they  have 
appeared  superficially  lighter  and  larger  than  in  their  nat- 
ural state.  Two  horses  were  purchased  for  the  purpose  of 
making  experiments,  and  so  badly  broken  winded  as  to  be 
useless.  In  the  first,  the  lungs  were  unusually  large,  and 
there  was  a  considerable  quantity  of  air  in  the  cellular  mem- 
brane ;  but  it  was  not  ascertained  whether  the  air  had  escaped 
from  the  air-cells,  or  had  been  generated  within  the  common 
cellular  membrane.  The  other  horse  was  kept  about  a  month 
in  a  field  where  there  was  no  water  and  very  little  grass. 
When  taken  up,  he  appeared  perfectly  free  from  the  disord^ 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  209 

He  was  shot ;  and  upon  examining  the  lungs,  they  had  not  the 
slightest  appearance  of  disease."  This  proved  the  superiority 
of  nature's  remedies  over  those  of  man.  The  same  author 
relates,  that  he  purchased  a  broken-winded  horse  that  was  in- 
capable of  working.  By  allowing  him  only  a  small  quantity 
of  hay  sprinkled  with  water,  giving  mashes,  mixed  with  a 
small  quantity  of  oats,  and  only  a  small  quantity  of  water, 
taking  care  at  the  same  time  that  he  had  regular  and  moderate 
exercise,  his  wind  became  gradually  better,  and  afterwards  was 
perfectly  free  from  the  complaint. 

The  author  has  examined  the  lungs  of  two  horses  which 
were  said  to  be  afflicted,  for  some  time  previous  to  death, 
with  broken  wind,  without  detecting  a  loss  of  contin- 
uity in  their  structure ;  neither  was  their  specific  grav- 
ity diminished.  Dr.  C.  M.  Wood,  of  this  city,  suggests  that 
we  call  broken  wind  acute  or  chronic  diaphragmitis.  The 
author  is  inclined  to  think,  that  this  would  give  a  better  idea 
of  the  disease. 

Bronchia.     (See  Windpipe.) 

Bronchotomy.  The  operation  of  opening  the  windpipe 
for  the  purpose  of  producing  artificial  respiration,  or  to  remove 
any  substances  that  may  have  lodged  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
larynx. 

Burns  are  best  treated  by  a  mixture  of  equal  portions  of 
lime-water  and  linseed  oil,  the  parts  being  frequently  anoint- 
ed with  the  mixture. 

BuRSiE  MucosiE.  Mucous  Bags,  or  Sacs.  These  are 
described  as  membranous  sacs,  containing  a  fluid  similar  to 
synovia,  or  joint  oil,  and  interposed  between  tendons  and  the 
parts  on  which  they  move.  In  violent  exertions  these  vas- 
cular membranes,  which  secrete  and  confine  the  synovia,  are 
injured  ;  hence  we  have  windgalls,  bog-spavin,  &c. 

Butteris.  An  instrument  used  by  horse-shoers  for  par- 
ing the  horse's  hoofs. 

c 

Cjecum.     The  blind  gut.     So  named  because  it  is  open  at 

27 


210  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

one  end  only.  In  the  horse  this  part  of  the  intestines  is  re- 
markably large. 

Calf,  Diseases  of.  Many  of  the  diseases  of  the  calves 
originate  in  a  disordered  state  of  the  stomach,  either  from  tak- 
ing too  much  milk  at  a  time,  or  from  the  milk  not  being  suffi- 
ciently fresh,  or  being  taken  from  a  cow  whose  health  is 
impaired.  Whenever  the  stomach  is  disordered,  either  by 
the  quantity  or  quality  of  the  milk,  it  causes  a  variety  of  dis- 
orders, such  as  scouring,  want  of  appetite,  costiveness,  colic, 
yellows,  convulsions,  &c. 

Calkins.  A  name  given  to  the  prominences  on  horses' 
shoes,  which  are  turned  downward  for  the  purpose  of  prevent- 
ing their  slipping. 

Calving.  At  the  end  of  nine  lunar  months  the  period  of 
the  cow's  gestation  is  complete  ;  but  the  parturition  does 
not  exactly  take  place  at  that  time  :  it  is  sometimes  earlier,  at 
others  later.  "  One  hundred  and  sixteen  cows  had  their  time 
of  calving  registered  :  fourteen  of  them  calved  from  the  two 
hundred  and  forty-first  day  to  the  two  hundred  and  sixty- 
sixth  day,  —  that  is,  eight  months  and  one  day  to  eight  months 
and  twenty-six  days  ;  three  on  the  two  hundred  and  seven- 
tieth day  ;  fifty-six  from  the  two  hundred  and  seventieth  to 
the  two  hundred  and  eightieth  day ;  eighteen  from  the  two 
hundred  and  eightieth  to  the  two  hundred  and  ninetieth 
day ;  twenty  on  the  three  hundredth  day  ;  five  on  the  three 
hundred  and  eighth  day;  consequently  there  were  sixty-seven 
days  between  the  two  extremities.  Immediately  before  calv- 
ing, the  animal  appears  uneasy  ;  the  tail  is  elevated  ;  she 
shifts  about  from  place  to  place,  and  is  frequently  lying  down 
and  getting  up  again.  The  labor  pains  then  come  on,  and  by 
the  expulsive  power  of  the  womb,  the  foetus,  with  the  mem- 
branes enveloping  it,  is  pushed  forward.  At  first  the  mem- 
branes appear  beyond  the  vagina  or  shape,  in  the  form  of  a 
bladder  of  water  :  this  soon  bursts,  the  water  is  discharged, 
the  head  and  fore  feet  of  the  calf  are  protruded  (in  natural 
labor)  beyond  the  shape.  The  body  next  appears,  and  the 
delivery  is  complete.     In  a  little  time  afterwards,  some  trifling 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  211 

pains  take  place,  which  separate  the  afterbirth,  or  cleansings  ; 
and  these  being  expelled,  the  process  is  finished. 

When  the  membrane  breaks,  and  the  fluid  escapes  early  in 
calving,  and  before  the  month  of  the  uterus  is  sufficiently  ex- 
panded, the  process  is  often  slow,  and  it  is  a  considerable  time 
before  any  part  of  the  calf  makes  its  appearance.  The  prac- 
tice of  hurrying  the  process  by  introducing  the  hand,  or  driv- 
ing the  animal  about  when  symptoms  of  calving  appear,  is 
very  improper.  It  has  been  known  in  many  instances  to 
cause  the  animal's  death.  It  sometimes  appears  that  a  wrong 
presentation  takes  place,  and  renders  the  calving  impractica- 
ble without  assistance.  In  such  cases  it  is  necessary  to  intro- 
duce the  hand  in  order  to  ascertain  the  position  of  the  calf, 
and  change  it  when  it  is  found  unfavorable.  When,  for  ex- 
ample, the  head  presents  without  the  fore  legs,  which  are 
bent  under  the  breast,  it  cannot,  in  this  position,  be  well  drawn 
away  without  danger.  In  this  case  the  calf  should  be  gently 
pushed  back  in  the  uterus,  placing  the  cow  in  the  most  favor- 
able position,  and  taking  the  opportunity  for  so  doing  while 
there  are  no  pains  nor  straining.  When  the  calf  is  pushed 
back,  the  fore  legs  are  to  be  carefully  drawn  downward,  in  a  line 
with  the  head,  and  brought  out  into  the  vagina.  The  author 
has  known  several  cases,  where  parturition  was  seemingly  dif- 
ficult, of  a  resort  to  force  in  extracting  the  calf ;  but  it  should 
be  recollected  that  nature  is  never  to  be  interfered  with  in  the 
process  of  delivery,  or  in  any  of  her  operations,  unless  it  is 
clearly  ascertained  that  assistance  is  necessary.  When  much 
force  is  used  in  drawing  the  calf,  and  especially  if  the  animal 
be  rather  fat,  a  disease  of  the  womb  is  apt  to  follow,  and 
puerperal  fever  sets  in,  which  often  proves  fatal.  Great  mis- 
chief is  also  done  by  endeavoring  to  extract  the  calf  without 
regard  to  its  position  in  the  uterus  :  it  is  sometimes  so  placed 
that  delivery  is  not  practicable  until  the  position  of  the  calf  is 
shifted.  When  much  force  is  used  in  drawing  the  calf,  it 
sometimes  happens  that  the  womb  falls  out  or  is  inverted,  and 
great  care  is  required  in  putting  it  back,  so  that  it  may  remain 
in  its  situation.     In  doing  so,  there  is  an  advantage  derived 


212  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

from  placing  the  cow  in  such  a  position,  that  the  hind  parts 
may  be  higher  than  the  fore.  If  any  dust  or  straw  remain 
about  the  womb,  they  should  be  carefully  removed  before  the 
womb  is  put  back.  A  linen  cloth  is  then  to  be  put  under  the 
womb,  which  is  to  be  held  by  two  assistants.  The  cow 
should  be  made  to  rise,  that  being  the  most  favorable  position, 
and  the  operator  is  then  to  grasp  the  mouth  of  the  womb  with 
both  hands,  and  gently  return  it.  When  so  returned,  one 
hand  is  to  be  immediately  withdrawn,  while  the  other  re- 
mains to  prevent  that  part  from  falling  down  again.  The 
hand  at  liberty  is  then  to  grasp  another  portion  of  the  womb, 
which  is  to  be  pushed  into  the  body  like  the  former,  and 
retained  with  one  hand.  This  is  to  be  repeated  until  the 
whole  of  the  womb  is  put  back  ;  if  the  womb  does  not  con- 
tract, friction  with  a  brush  around  the  belly  and  back  may 
excite  the  muscles  to  contraction  :  should  this  fail,  the  animal 
may  have  an  astringent  and  aromatic  drink,  made  by  infusing 
three  ounces  of  ground  poplar  bark  in  about  three  pints  of 
hot  water ;  when  cool,  administer  with  a  horn  or  bottle,  tak- 
ing care,  while  pouring  down  the  oesophagus,  to  let  it  fall 
gently  and  gradually ;  by  that  means  it  will  pass  over  the 
pillars  of  the  oesophagean  canal,  and  on  to  the  third  stomach; 
otherwise  it  would  fall  into  the  rumen,  and  defeat  the  object 
in  view. 

Camphor.  A  narcotic  vegetable  poison.  This  medicine, 
says  Dr.  White,  "  is  employed  both  internally  and  externally. 
It  is  given  inwardly  as  an  anti-spasmodic,  as  in  lockjaw, 
when  it  is  commonly  joined  with  opium  ;  and  as  a  febrifuge, 
or  fever  medicine,  joined  with  nitre  and  antimonial  powder." 
It  is  no  wonder  that  Youatt  and  others  say,  "  that  the  treat- 
ment of  lockjaw  in  animals  is  very  unsatisfactory  ;  "  and  that 
Gibson  should  confess,  "  that  in  the  administration  of  these 
destructive  agents  there  is  great  danger,  and  unless  the  horse 
is  very  strong,  he  may  not  recover  from  the  experiment." 
The  four  articles  above  named  are  all  more  or  less  destructive, 
because  they  war  against  the  living  principle  ;  part  act  as  a 
sedative,  and  the  others  as  chemical  agents.     Is  it  not  the  duty 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  213 

of  every  man  to  rescue  from  such  a  destructive  system  of 
medication  one  of  the  noblest  and  most  valuable  specimens 
of  God's  workmanship  in  the  quadrupedal  creation  ? 

Professor  J.  A.  Gallup,  in  his  institutes  of  medicine,  says, 
"  The  practice  of  using  opiates  and  anodynes  to  mitigate  pain 
in  any  form  of  fever  and  local  inflammations,  is  generally  to 
be  deprecated ;  it  is  not  only  unjustifiable,  but  should  be 
esteemed  unpardonable."  If  these  articles  are  destructive  in 
the  human  being,  they  will  prove  more  or  less  so  in  all  organ- 
ized beings,  in  proportion  to  the  power  that  resists  them. 
Although  large  doses  of  poison  have  occasionally  been  given 
to  the  horse  without  destroying  him,  yet  they  must  sow  the 
seeds  of  future  disease. 

Capped  Hock.  A  swelling  on  the  point  of  the  hock, 
generally  occasioned  by  blows  :  they  seldom  cause  lameness  ; 
but  as  they  are  a  considerable  blemish,  an  attempt  should  be 
made  to  reduce  them  by  counter-irritants  ;  friction  is  also 
useful. 

Capsicuim.  In  its  pure  state  it  contains  tonic  and  stimulant 
properties.  It  increases  the  physiological  or  healthy  action 
of  the  system. 

Capsular  Ligament.  The  ligament  by  which  two  bones 
are  joined  together.  It  forms  a  complete  sac  round  them, 
and  serves  to  confine  the  synovia,  or  joint  oil. 

Caraway  Seeds.  These  are  cordial  and  carminative. 
The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  ounces. 

Carbon.  Pure  charcoal,  unmixed  with  any  foreign  body. 
It  is  antiseptic  and  absorbent  ;  useful  as  a  poultice  in  all 
putrid  sores. 

Carditis.     Inflammation  of  the  heart. 

Caries.     Ulceration,  or  rottenness  of  a  bone. 

Carminatives.  Medicines  that  correct  flatulency,  or  expel 
wind ;  the  principal  of  these  are  the  caraway  and  fennel 
seeds. 

Carotid  Artery.  A  large  artery  that  runs  on  each  side 
of  the  neck,  near  the  windpipe.  The  jugular  vein  runs  im- 
mediately over  the  artery.     Yet  at  the  upoer  part  of  the  neck, 


214  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

they  are  at  such  a  distance  that  there  is  no  danger  of  wound- 
ing the  latter  in  bleeding. 

Cartilage.  Gristle.  A  smooth,  elastic  substance  attached 
to  bones.  Cartilages  are  situated  in  parts  where  elasticity  is 
required  ;  they  render  the  parts  connected  with  them  capable 
of  slight  changes  of  form,  and  instant  recovery,  to  accommo- 
date themselves  to  accidents  and  circumstances,  without 
serious  injury  to  themselves.  There  are  also  inter-articular 
cartilages ;  that  is,  flat,  smooth  cartilages,  between  the  ends 
of  two  bones.  These,  being  covered  with  synovia,  or  joint 
oil,  serve  to  facilitate  the  motion  of  the  joint. 

Castor.  A  peculiar  matter  found  in  bags,  near  the  rectum 
of  the  beaver.  It  is  used  as  an  antispasmodic,  in  doses  of 
two  drachms,  (for  a  horse,)  mixed  in  thin  gruel. 

Castration.  An  operation  often  performed  on  horses,  and 
other  domestic  animals.  The  best  method  of  performing  it 
is  by  means  of  the  clams  and  ligature. 

Cataplasm,  or  Poultice.  This  application,  when  designed 
to  promote  suppuration,  or  formation  of  matter,  is  best  made 
by  mixing  together  equal  parts  of  slippery  elm  and  flax  seed, 
pouring  a  sufficient  quantity  of  boiling  water  on  the  mixture, 
to  make  it  of  the  consistence  of  mush,  and  binding  it  on  the 
part ;  the  bandage  should  not  be  so  tight  as  to  interfere  with 
the  return  of  blood  by  the  veins.  A  poultice  should  always 
be  renewed  every  twelve  hours. 

Cataract.  A  disease  of  the  horse's  eye.  A  cataract  may 
be  partial  or  total.  The  partial  cataract  is  known  by  specks  in 
the  pupil,  which  interrupt  vision  in  proportion  to  their  size, 
and  according  to  their  situation.  In  the  total,  or  complete 
cataract,  the  whole  of  the  pupil  becomes  of  a  white  or  pearl 
color.  A  horse's  sight  is  least  injured  by  partial  cataract, 
when  the  speck  is  most  remote  from  the  centre  of  the  pupil, 
and  near  to  the  upper  margin.  When  a  complete  cataract 
takes  place  in  one  eye,  the  strength  of  the  other  becomes 
established,  so  that  the  horse  soon  accommodates  himself  to 
the  loss. 

Catarrh,  or  Cold.     This  is,  perhaps,  a  disorder  more  com- 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  215 

mon  in  horses  than  any  other.  The  author  attnoutes  this 
(in  this  city)  to  the  bountiful  use  of  the  Cochituate  water. 
When  the  horse  has  just  arrived  from  a  journey,  or  is  in  a 
state  of  perspiration,  the  showering  process,  so  much  in  fashion 
just  now,  is  decidedly  injurious.  If  the  legs  of  the  animal 
are  sluiced  with  water,  and  he  is  afterwards  suffered  to  stand 
where  a  current  of  air  blows  on  him,  he  is  likely  to  take  cold. 
Horses  accustomed  to  warm  clothing,  and  warm  stables,  are, 
of  course,  most  liable  to  cold.  The  symptoms  are  cough, 
dulness,  want  of  appetite,  discharge  from  the  nostrils,  fre- 
quently accompanied  by  sore  throat,  and  difficulty  of  swal- 
lowing. 

Catarrh,  Epidemic  The  epidemic  catarrh  is  so  named 
from  its  spreading  over  a  country  as  a  general  disorder,  often 
for  a  considerable  time.  When  the  disease  is  so  prevalent,  it 
is  supposed  to  depend  on  a  certain  state  of  the  atmosphere. 

Catheter.  A  gum  elastic  tube,  for  the  purpose  of  draw- 
ing off  the  urine.  The  one  used  for  the  horse  is  about  four 
feet  in  length. 

Caustics.  Preparations  that  destroy  the  part  to  which 
they  are  applied. 

Cellular  Membrane.  The  substance  by  which  various 
parts  of  the  body  are  united  to  each  other.  The  cells  of 
which  this  structure  is  composed,  communicate  with  each 
other ;  which  is  proved  by  making  a  small  opening  in  the 
skin  of  an  animal,  introducing  a  blow-pipe,  and  blowing 
through  it,  by  which  the  adjacent  skin  will  puff  up;  if  suf- 
ficient power  were  employed,  the  air  may  be  thus  forced  all 
over  the  body. 

Cerebellum.  The  small  brain.  It  is  situated  immediately 
behind  the  cerebrum,  or  large  brain,  and  upon  the  origin  of 
the  spinal  marrow. 

Chest.     (See  Thorax.) 

Chest  Founder.     (See  Founder.) 

Chronic  A  term  used  to  denote  a  disease  of  long  stand- 
ing, unaccompanied  by  fever  or  inflammation. 

Chyle.     A  milky  fluid,  formed  by  the  action  of  the  gastric, 


216  DICTIONARY    OP    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

pancreatic,  and  bilious  fluids.  Chyle  is  absorbed  and  carried 
by  the  lacteals  to  the  thoracic  duct ;  but.  previous  to  its  arri- 
val there,  it  passes  through  the  mesenteric  glands,  where 
probably  it  undergoes  some  change. 

Cicatrix.  The  mark  that  remains  after  a  sore,  wound,  or 
ulcer  has  been  healed. 

Circulation  of  the  Blood.     (See  Heart.) 

Clipping.  Cutting  the  long,  rough  hair  of  a  horse.  It  is 
chiefly  done  to  improve  the  appearance  of  the  horse.  The 
author  doubts  its  utility.     (See  article  Hair,  part  first.) 

Clothing.  A  pernicious  custom  is  often  adopted  of  keeping 
horses  clothed  in  the  stable  ;  making  no  difference  in  the 
warmth  of  the  clothes,  whatever  the  season  of  the  year,  or 
the  state  of  the  weather,  may  be.  (This  custom  is  not  so 
prevalent  here  as  in  England.)  In  a  good  stable,  it  is  prob- 
able that  even  in  winter  it  might  be  dispensed  with ;  and  a 
horse  will  then  be  much  less  liable  to  take  cold,  when  he 
happens  to  stand  in  a  cold  wind  and  rain.  When  a  horse  is 
moulting,  or  shedding  his  coat,  light  clothing  might  be  useful ; 
and,  at  such  periods,  showering,  or  standing  out  in  the  rain, 
would  be  very  injurious.  In  summer,  the  horse  should  have 
a  net  thrown  over  him  to  protect  him  from  the  flies. 

Clysters,  or  Glysters.  A  liquid  preparation,  forced  into 
the  rectum  by  means  of  a  syringe.  (For  preparation  of 
clysters,  see  Appendix.) 

Coffin  Bone,  or  Os  Pedis.  The  bone  which  is  enclosed 
by  the  hoof. 

Coffin  Joint.     (See  Hoof.) 

Colic  A  very  common  disease  in  horses.  It  begins 
with  an  appearance  of  uneasiness  ;  he  paws  his  litter  ;  some- 
times makes  ineffectual  attempts  to  stale  ;  stamps  with  his 
feet ;  gathers  up  his  legs,  and  lies  down  heavily,  groans,  and 
looks  round  to  his  flank  ;  lies  down  heavily  again,  as  before, 
and  rolls  on  his  back.  The  body  sometimes  swells.  If 
relief  is  not  promptly  afforded,  all  the  above  symptoms  gradu- 
ally increase ;  the  pulse  becomes  quick,  the  breathing  disturbed; 
and  the  pain  is  so  great  that  a  violent  perspiration  breaks  out 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  217 

and  the  horse  becomes  almost,  delirious,  throwing  himself 
about  the  stall,  so  that  it  is  dangerous  to  come  near  him. 

Condition.  The  term  is  used  to  imply  a  horse  being  in 
perfect  health. 

Conjunctiva.  The  external  coat  or  membrane  of  the  eye. 
(See  Eye,  part  first.) 

Consumption.  In  consumption  there  is  a  gradual  loss  of 
flesh  and  strength,  while  the  appetite  is  seldom  impaired  in 
the  early  stages.  It  is  sometimes  accompanied  by  a  discharge 
from  one  or  both  nostrils,  and  a  swelling  of  the  glands  under 
the  jaw ;  such  cases  are  often  mistaken  for  glanders.  Consump- 
tion does  not  often  take  place  suddenly,  but  is  very  insidious 
in  its  attack  ;  and  it  often  happens,  that  the  complaint  is  not 
much  noticed  till  tubercles  are  formed  in  the  lungs,  and  the 
mesenteric  glands  are  diseased.  When  a  horse  is  observed  to 
lose  flesh,  his  coat  staring,  his  skin  feeling  as  if  fast  to  the 
ribs,  he  should  be  warmly  clothed,  and  fed  on  scalded  shorts, 
oats,  and  boiled  carrots  ;  by  proper  attention  to  stable  man- 
agement, he  may  gain  flesh  and  strength,  his  coat  will  become 
smoother,  and  his  skin  looser.  Should  it  now  be  the  season 
of  the  year  when  good  grass  can  be  procured,  this  will  perfect 
the  recovery. 

Contagion.  The  mode  in  which  a  disease  is  communicated 
from  one  animal  to  another.  It  is  derived  from  the  word 
contact,  or  touch,  and  is  used  in  contradistinction  to  infection, 
which  implies  the  communication  of  disease  by  unwholesome 
miasmata,  sometimes  spreading  to  a  very  considerable  dis- 
tance. 

Contraction.     (See  Contraction,  part  first.) 

Convalescence.  A  state  of  recovery  from  illness,  or  an 
approach  to  a  state  of  health. 

Convulsions.  Under  this  name  Gibson  has  classed  lock- 
jaw and  staggers.  Modern  writers  treat  of  these  diseases 
under  their  respective  heads.  Calves  are  subject  to  convul- 
sive diseases,  from  indigestion,  and  the  consequent  formation 
of  acid  in  the  stomach.  It  is  often  occasioned  by  some  bad 
quality  in  the  milk  they  drink,  when  fed  by  hand.  Taking 
28 


ZIS  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

too  much  milk  will  often  bring  on  the  disorder.  Carminatives 
and  tonics  generally  afford  relief;  after  which,  it  is  necessary 
to  be  more  attentive  to  the  future  mode  of  feeding,  giving  a 
little  gruel  occasionally. 

Cordials.  Medicines  are  thus  termed  that  possess  warm 
and  stimulating  properties,  such  as  ginger,  caraway  seeds, 
anise  seeds,  &c. 

Cornea.     The  outer  transparent  part  of  the  eye. 

Corner  Teeth.  The  outermost  of  the  front  teeth  are 
thus  named. 

Corns.     (See  part  first.) 

Coronet  Bone.  Os  corona.  The  second  of  the  consoli- 
dated phalanges  of  the  horse's  foot. 

Coronet.  The  upper  part  of  the  hoof,  where  the  horn 
terminates. 

Corrosive  Sublimate.  Among  the  poisons  that  are  given, 
with  a  view  of  curing  disease,  corrosive  sublimate  seems 
to  stand  foremost  in  the  destruction  of  vitality,  and  the  pro- 
duction of  incurable  diseases.  Dr.  White  remarks,  "  It  is 
necessary  to  observe  carefully  its  effects  ;  for,  whenever  it 
takes  off  the  appetite,  or  causes  uneasiness  of  the  stomach,  or 
bowels,  it  should  be  immediately  discontinued.  A  solution 
of  corrosive  sublimate  in  water  has  been  employed  as  a  lotion 
in  mange,  but  is  generally  considered  dangerous  ;  a  fatal  dis- 
order of  the  bowels  having,  in  several  instances,  followed  its 
use.  Five  cows,  that  were  bathed  with  a  solution  of  corro- 
sive sublimate  in  tobacco  water,  died  soon  after." 

Cough.  A  cough  is  sometimes  the  first  symptom  of  a  cold, 
or  catarrh  ;  but  there  is  another  kind  of  cough,  which  accom- 
panies indigestion.  Horses  that  eat  too  much  hay,  and  drink 
a  large  quantity  of  water,  often  have  chronic  cough.  This 
can  be  removed  by  proper  attention  to  feeding.  (See  Feed- 
ing.) 

Cows,  Disease  of.  The  disorders  of  cows  are  not  so 
numerous  as  those  of  the  horse  ;  they  are  often  brought  on 
by  feeding  on  improper  food,  or  by  being  kept  on  low,  marshy 
grounds.     Cattle  that  are  brought  from  a  warm  to  a  colder 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  219 

climate j  and  such  as  are  naturally  of  weak  constitutions,  are 
most  liable  to  disease. 

Cramp.  A  spasmodic  affection  of  -the  muscles,  either  of  a 
particular  part,  or  of  the  whole  body.  In  lockjaw,  for  exam- 
ple, the  muscles  of  the  jaw  are  at  first  chiefly  affected  ;  but, 
gradually,  unless  relief  is  afforded,  the  spasm,  or  cramp, 
generally  extends  to  the  neck,  limbs,  and  at  length  to  all 
parts  of  the  body. 

Crassamentum.  Red  globules,  or  coloring  matter,  of  the 
blood,  mixed  with  coagulable  lymph. 

Cremaster.  A  muscle  which  surrounds  the  spermatic 
cord,  as  it  passes  out  of  the  belly  into  the  scrotum.  Its  use 
is  to  suspend  and  draw  up  the  testicle. 

Crib  Biting.  A  disagreeable  and  injurious  habit,  which 
some  horses  acquire  j  it  consists  of  laying  hold  of  the  manger 
with  their  teeth.     It  generally  proceeds  from  indigestion. 

Cropping  the  Ears.  The  ear  may  be  enclosed  between 
the  two  parts  of  a  carpenter's  rule,  which  can  be  adjusted 
and  held  so  as  to  give  the  ear  any  shape  that  may  be  re- 
quired. All  that  part  outside  the  rule  is  then  cut  off  with 
one  stroke  of  a  sharp  knife,  and  then  bathed  with  tincture  of 
myrrh. 

Crupper.  A  strap  affixed  to  the  saddle,  with  a  loop  at  the 
end,  for  the  purpose  of  admitting  the  horse's  tail. 

Cud.  The  food  contained  in  the  first  stomach,  or  rumen, 
of  a  ruminating  animal,  which  is  returned  to  the  mouth  to  be 
chewed  at  the  animal's  leisure. 

Cumin  Seeds.     A  carminative,  or  cordial. 

Curb.  A  swelling  of  the  horse's  hock,  generally  caused  by 
blows. 

Cutaneous  Diseases.  Diseases  whose  seat  is  in  the  skin ; 
as  the  mange,  for  example.  They  are  generally  dependent 
on  a  vitiated  state  of  the  secretions,  and  a  disordered  state  of 
the  bowels. 

Cuticle,  or  Scarf  Skin.  A  thin,  insensible  membrane, 
which  covers  and  defends  the  true  skin.  It  is  this  which 
forms  the  bladder  raised  by  blistering. 


220  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Cutis.  The  skin,  or  hide,  which  lies  under  the  cuticle. 
Besides  the  cuticle  and  skin,  horses  and  other  large  animals 
have  a  muscular  expansion,  which  lies  immediately  under  the 
latter,  called  the  fleshy  panicle,  by  which  the  skin  is  moved, 
so  as  to  shake  off  dust  or  flies,  or  any  thing  that  hangs  loose 
upon  the  hair. 

Cutting.  A  horse  is  said  to  cut,  when  he  strikes  the  inner 
and  lower  part  of  the  fetlock  joint,  in  travelling.  The  usual 
mode  of  correcting  this,  is  to  make  the  outer  side  of  the  shoe 
higher  than  the  inside. 

D 

Debility.  Debility  may  be  permanent  or  temporary.  In 
the  first,  the  constitution  is  naturally  weak,  or  has  been  ren- 
dered so  by  improper  treatment,  or  sickness  ;  the  second 
generally  arises  from  over-exertion,  and,  if  the  exciting  cause 
be  frequently  repeated,  terminates  very  commonly  in  a  total 
decay  of  the  constitution.  Rest  and  kind  treatment  are  the 
best  cure  for  weakness  induced  by  fatigue.  The  greatest 
attention  should  be  paid  to  the  degree  of  work  that  a  horse 
is  capable  of  enduring,  as  what  may  be  salutary  for  him  at 
one  period  may  greatly  exceed  his  strength  at  another  ;  and 
this  generally  depends  on  the  mode  of  stable  management. 
The  common  practice  of  working  horses  too  early  frequently 
results  in  debility. 

Decoction.  The  process  of  extracting  the  virtues  of  a 
substance  by  boiling  it  in  water.  The  liquid  so  prepared  is 
termed  decoction.  Almost  all  the  medicinal  properties  of  plants 
may  be  extracted  by  pouring  boiling  water  over  them.  In 
boiling  they  lose  their  volatile  properties. 

Deglutition.  The  act  of  swallowing.  The  power  of 
swallowing  is  often  impeded  in  the  horse  by  sore  throat,  dis- 
temper, &c.  This  impediment  is  only  of  a  temporary  nature  ; 
but  there  is  another,  which  is  of  a  more  serious  kind,  and 
interferes  with  mastication,  as  well  as  swallowing.  The 
grinding  teeth  of  horses  often  wear  down  in  such  a  manner, 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  221 

that  the  outside  edge  of  the  upper  grinders  irritates  or  wounds 
the  cheek,  and  the  inside  of  the  lower  grinders  acts  similarly 
upon  the  tongue,  or  the  skin  connected  with  it.  Whenever 
a  horse  is  observed  to  void  unbroken  oats  with  his  dung,  the 
teeth  and  cheeks  should  be  examined.  It  will  often  be  found 
necessary  to  rasp  the  outside  edges  of  the  upper  grinders,  and 
sometimes  the  inner  edge  of  the  lower  ones. 

Demulcents.  Medicines  of  a  mucilaginous  kind,  which 
sheathe  the  mucous  membranes  when  they  are  tender  and 
irritable,  and  defend  them  from  the  action  of  what  would 
otherwise  injure  them.  Of  this  kind  are  marsh  mallows,  lin- 
seed tea,  solution  of  gum  arabic. 

Dentition.  The  act  of  changing  the  teeth,  which  is  going 
on  from  the  third  to  the  fifth  year.  During  this  period,  the 
horse's  mouth  is  apt  to  become  tender,  which  renders  it  neces- 
sary to  keep  him  for  a  short  time  on  scalded  shorts,  or  boiled 
carrots. 

Diabetes.  An  excessive  discharge  of  urine,  accompanied 
by  thirst  and  debility.  There  are  three  outlets  for  the  fluids 
of  the  body  —  the  surface,  the  lungs,  and  the  urinary  passage. 
When  either  is  deficient  in  action,  one  of,  or  both  the  others, 
must  make  up  that  deficiency  ;  so,  excess  in  one  produces 
deficiency  in  the  others  ;  hence,  in  diabetes  we  often  find  a 
dry  skin  and  staring  coat  ;  and  in  excessive  perspiration,  the 
urine  is  scanty,  whatever  be  the  organs  affected,  or  whether 
the  one  or  the  other  be  excessive  or  diminished.  The  indi- 
cations are,  to  equalize  the  action  of  these  opposing  or  sympa- 
thizing surfaces,  by  restoring  the  diminished  secretions,  and 
cleansing  and  toning  the  organ  whose  action  is  excessive. 
All  direct  efforts  to  produce  specific  effects,  without  regard  to 
a  balance  of  action  through  the  whole  animal,  do  more  harm 
than  good. 

Diaphoretics.  Medicines  that  promote  insensible  perspi- 
ration, or  excite  moderate  sweating.  Of  this  class  are  lobelia 
and  thoroughwort,  given  in  infusion. 

Diaphragm,  Midriff,  or  Skirt.     A  muscular  and   tendi- 


222  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

nous  expansion,  which  divides  the  cavity  of  the  chest  from 
the  abdomen,  or  belly. 

Diarrh(ea,  or  Purging.  In  Professor  Percival's  lectures 
on  diarrhoea,  he  states  that  "  for  the  majority  of  cases  brought 
to  us,  we  are  indebted  to  the  groom,  the  farrier,  and  stable- 
keeper,  who  used  to  kill  many  horses  by  literally  purging 
them  to  death.  Thirty  years  ago,  an  ounce  and  a  half  or  two 
ounces  of  aloes,  occasionally  combined  with  one  or  two 
drachms  of  calomel,  composed  the  common  purge  ;  and  even 
now,  among  these  people,  nine,  ten,  and  eleven  drachms  are 
by  no  means  unusual  doses.  Young  horses,  on  their  first 
arrival  in  the  metropolis,  are  all  physicked ;  they  have  given 
to  them,  indiscriminately,  doses  of  aloes,  every  one  of  which 
would  be  sufficient  to  purge  two  of  them  ;  the  result  is,  that 
the  light-carcassed,  irritable  subject  is  carried  off  at  once  by 
superpurgation,  while  another,  or  two,  may  linger  in  misery 
and  pain  from  a  dysentery  that  will  end  in  gangrene  and 
death,  or  be  rendered  more  speedily  fatal  by  the  doses  of 
opium,  or  some  other  powerful  astringent,*  which  are  so  per- 
niciously resorted  to  on  these  occasions.  There  is  another 
not  uncommon  cause  of  this  disease,  and  that  is  continuous 
and  excessive  exertion.  After  having  been  ridden  for  many 
hours,  a  horse  will  often  express  irritation  in  the  bowels,  by 
frequently  voiding  his  excrement,  which  will  be  found  to  be 

#  Suppose  the  groom,  farrier,  &c,  do  give  opium,  are  they  not  following 
in  the  footsteps  of  their  great  prototype,  viz.,  Allopathy  ?  By-the-by,  Cul- 
len  tells  us,  "  that  opium  is  a  narcotic  and  sedative,  and  that  the  natural 
tendency  of  such  articles  is  to  depress  the  vital  powers,  and  deprive  all 
parts  of  sensibility."  He  supposed,  that  when  a  sedative  was  applied  in  a 
moderate  dose,  the  "  vis  medicatrix "  took  the  alarm  in  order  to  throw  off 
the  noxious  application,  and  that  thus  arose  those  peculiar  symptoms  of 
increased  action  ;  but  when  the  dose  was  given  as  above,  "  in  fatal  doses," 
he  contended  that  the  conservative  poAver  of  the  system  was  silenced,  and 
unable  to  offer  any  salutary  resistance.  From  this  we  infer,  that  if  you  cut 
off  a  horse's  tail  it  proves  salutary,  and  excites  ;  but  if  you  knock  his  brains 
out,  it  proves  sedative.  The  true  plan  is  to  give  antispasmodics,  combined 
with  charcoal  and  slippery  elm,  remove  obstructions,  invite  action  to  the  sur- 
face, &c.  This  is  the  true  effect  to  be  produced,  and  the  only  justifiable 
one. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  A&O 

enveloped  in  a  slimy  or  mucous  matter,  that  is  called  by  some 
molten  grease." 

Dilutents.  Those  substances  that  increase  the  fluidity 
of  the  animal  economy.  Water  may  be  justly  considered  as 
the  only  dilutent. 

Director.  A  grooved  instrument,  made  for  the  purpose 
of  conducting  the  knife  in  open  sinuses,  and  in  several  other 
operations  of  surgery. 

Dislocation.  A  displacement  of  a  bone  from  its  socket. 
A  dislocation  of  the  fetlock  joint  may  be  replaced,  and  kept 
in  its  position  by  bandages  ;  the  horse  should  not  take  any 
exercise  until  it  is  completely  healed.  A  dislocation  of  the 
stifle,  or  patella,  must  be  reduced  by  bringing  the  horse's  leg 
under  the  belly,  and  then  depressing  the  outer  angle  of  the 
patella,  or  stifle  bone,  with  the  hand,  which  gives  the  muscles 
the  power  to  draw  the  bone  into  its  place.  Generally  speak- 
ing, dislocations  are  rare. 

Distemper.  This  name  is  applied  to  diseases  that  prevail 
at  particular  periods,  and  spread  to  a  considerable  distance. 
(See  Epidemic.) 

Docking.  Cutting  off  part  of  the  tail.  If  this  is  ever 
necessary,  (and  the  author  doubts  it,)  then  the  operation 
should  be  performed  before  the  animal  is  two  years  old. 

Drastic  A  term  applied  to  purgatives  that  operate  pow- 
erfully. 

Drenches,  or  Drinks.  When  it  is  necessary  that  any 
medicine  should  operate  speedily,  this  is  the  best  form  in 
which  it  can  be  given.  A  bottle,  with  a  short  neck,  is  the 
best  drenching  instrument.  In  giving  a  drench,  the  tongue 
should  be  at  liberty,  the  head  moderately  elevated  ;  the 
drench  is  then  poured  down  moderately.  The  head  is  to  be 
kept  in  an  elevated  position  until  the  drench  is  swallowed. 
If  the  animal  happens  to  cough  while  the  drench  is  in  his 
throat,  the  head  should  be  immediately  let  down. 

Dressing.  A  term  employed  to  designate  medical  applica- 
tions to  a  wound,  or  ulcer,  and  the  operation  of  cleaning  a 
horse. 


224  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Dropsy.  This  disease  consists  in  a  collection  of  serous  or 
watery  fluid,  either  in  cavities,  as  the  chest,  belly,  or  ventri- 
cles of  the  brain,  or  in  the  cellular  membrane  under  the  skin. 
Dropsy  is  more  a  symptom  of  disease  than  a  disease  itself; 
but  sometimes,  on  account  of  the  violence  and  danger  of  the 
symptom,  it  is  often  treated  as  a  disease.  The  proximate 
cause  is  a  check  to  perspiration  j  the  remote  cause  is  bleeding, 
or  any  thing  that  can  debilitate  the  general  system. 

Dropsy  of  the  Chest.  This  is  sometimes  a  consequence 
of  disease  of  the  lungs  ;  and  when  it  happens,  those  important 
organs  generally  are  so  far  disorganized,  or  injured,  that 
there  is  very  little  chance  of  the  animal's  recovery. 

Dropsy  of  the  Belly,  or  Ascites.  The  causes  are  the 
same  as  above  ;  the  only  difference  is,  that,  from  circumstan- 
ces predisposing  the  fluid  is  determined  on  the  peritoneum, 
(see  Peritoneusi,)  instead  of  the  pleura. 

Duct.  A  membranous  tube,  or  canal,  through  which  cer- 
tain fluids  are  conveyed.  Thus  the  lachrymal  duct  conveys 
tears  from  the  eyes  to  the  nose. 

Dung.  By  examining  a  horse's  dung,  we  are  enabled  to 
judge  of  the  state  of  his  health.  When  the  dung  is  hard, 
and  in  small  knobs,  and  covered  with  slime,  laxative  medi- 
cines are  beneficial ;  and  when  it  is  passed  in  too  great 
quantities,  it  commonly  arises  from  too  liberal  allowance  of 
food.  If  oats  are  voided  whole,  it  will  generally  be  found 
to  be  caused  either  by  a  defect  of  the  teeth,  or  by  a  too  vora- 
cious appetite,  occasioning  the  food  to  be  swallowed  without 
mastication ;  in  which  case  the  animal  should  be  fed  on 
shorts,  or  scalded  food. 

Duodenum.  The  first  intestine  that  comes  from  the  stom- 
ach.    (See  Intestines.) 

Dura  Mater.  A  strong  membrane  that  invests  the  brain 
and  divides  it  into  two  lobes.  It  likewise  separates  the  large 
brain  (cerebrum)  from  the  small,  or  cerebellum. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  225 


E 

Ear.  The  horse's  ear  is  merely  an  organ  for  collecting 
sound  ;  consequently  he  has  complete  power  over  the  muscles 
attached  to  them,  and  can  turn  them  in  different  directions. 

Effluvia.     Invisible  vapors  that  arise  from  bodies. 

Effusion.  The  oozing  out  of  serum,  or  coagulable  lymph, 
from  the  blood-vessels. 

Embrocation.  A  liquid  preparation  for  rubbing  upon  the 
skin,  and  generally  used  for  strains,  bruises,  and  enlarged 
glands. 

Emetic,  Tartar.  Tartarized  antimony.  A  corrosive 
metallic  poison.  Dr.  White  relates,  "  From  examining  the 
stomachs  of  horses  that  have  taken  this  mineral,  I  am  satisfied 
that  irreparable  mischief  may  be  done  with  it,  and  certain  it 
is  that  a  vast  deal  of  unnecessary  pain  has  been  thus  inflicted." 

Emphysema.  Swellings  which  contain  air.  Such  swell- 
ings are  known  by  a  kind  of  crackling  noise,  or  sensation, 
when  they  are  pressed  with  the  finger. 

Emulgent  Arteries.  The  arteries  which  convey  blood 
to  the  kidneys. 

Encanthis.     A  disease  of  the  inner  corner  of  the  eye. 

Encysted.  A  term  applied  to  tumors  which  consist  of  a 
solid  or  liquid  substance,  contained  in  a  sac,  or  cyst. 

Enteritis.  Inflammation  of  the  bowels.  This  is  only  a 
symptom  of  disease,  and  is  the  result  of  plethora,  or  the  sud- 
den application  of  cold  to  the  surface,  the  overloaded  state 
of  the  stomach  and  bowels.     Obstinate  spasm  will  produce  it. 

Epidemic  Diseases  which  spread  over  a  whole  country 
at  certain  seasons,  or  any  time.  If  many  suffer  in  the  same 
manner,  it  is  called  epizootic.  There  are  very  few  diseases 
which  assume,  in  its  latter  or  earlier  stages,  such  a  variety  of 
forms ;  perhaps  depending  on  the  location,  and  the  peculiar 
state  of  the  constitution.  Youatt  writes,  "  In  1711,  an 
epidemic  commenced,  which,  although  it  sometimes  suspended 
its  ravages,  would  visit  new  districts;  it  also  appeared  in  a 
29 


226  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

certain  district,  and  confined  itself  to  that  location.  In  1747, 
it  appeared,  and  would  seem  that  there  was  a  strange  caprice 
about  it.  It  would  select  its  victims,  the  best  of  the  herd, 
around  a  certain  district,  and  confine  itself  to  that  location 
for  a  short  time  ;  then  disappear  for  several  months,  return, 
and  pounce  upon  this  privileged  spot.  In  some  districts,  it 
would  attack  the  mouth  and  throat ;  commencing  with  a  loss 
of  appetite  and  difficult  respiration,  terminating  with  a  dis- 
charge of  blood  from  the  anus.  Sometimes  the  animals  will 
eat  and  work  until  they  suddenly  expire  ;  others  will  linger 
in  dreadful  agony."  It  appears  that  this  malady  is  not  infec- 
tious ;  for  the  same  author  writes,  "  Cattle  were  in  the  same 
barn  as  those  infected ;  they  ate  of  the  same  fodder  that  the 
distempered  beasts  had  slavered  upon,  drank  after  them,  and 
constantly  received  their  breath  and  steam,  without  being  the 
least  affected.  In  1756,  it  assumed  a  different  form  j  some 
cattle  were  taken  all  at  once  with  violent  trembling  of  every 
limb,  and  blood  ran  from  the  nose,  and  bloody  slime  from  the 
mouth,  and  the  animals  died  in  a  few  hours." 

Epiglottis.  The  cartilage  which  covers  the  larynx,  or 
top  of  the  windpipe,  at  the  time  food  or  water  is  passing  into 
the  gullet. 

Epilepsy.  Falling  sickness  ;  fits.  Horses,  cats,  and  dogs, 
are  subject  to  fits,  which  often  depend  upon  an  accumulation 
of  water  in  the  ventricles  of  the  brain,  or  upon  the  irritation 
of  worms  in  the  stomach  or  bowels.  During  the  present 
year,  the  author's  attention  was  called  to  a  horse,  (the  property 
of  Mr.  Downs,  of  this  city;)  the  horse  was  lying  down,  and 
at  times  appeared  insensible ;  convulsive  struggling  would 
take  place  occasionally.  The  muscles  of  the  eye  were  affect- 
ed by  spasm,  and  distorted  ;  the  duration  of  the  fit  varied. 
As  the  disease  progressed,  the  hind  extremities  were  paralyzed, 
and  the  horse  would  struggle  violently  at  intervals  of  fifteen 
minutes.  On  an  examination,  after  death,  nearly  a  peck  meas- 
ure full  of  the  long  round  worm  was  found  in  the  small 
intestines.  The  author  examined  the  brain  of  a  horse  that 
was  said  to  die  in  a  fit,  and  found  about  five  ounces  of  water 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  227 

in  the  ventricles  of  the  brain.  The  fits  in  horses  do  not 
exactly  resemble  the  fits  of  the  human  body. 

Epitaxis.  Bleeding  at  the  nose.  This  sometimes  occurs 
in  glanders,  and  denotes  a  considerable  ulceration  within  the 
nostrils.  When  it  happens  to  a  horse  in  health,  it  shows  an 
unequal  circulation  of  the  blood. 

Epsom  Salts.  Sulphate  of  magnesia.  A  neutral  salt,  often 
employed  as  an  aperient  for  cattle  j  but  it  is  very  uncertain  in 
horses,  and  is  apt  to  gripe  sadly. 

Eschar.     A  slough  formed  by  the  application  of  caustic. 

Excrescence.  Any  preternatural  formation  on  any  part 
of  the  body,  as  warts,  wens,  splents,  spavins,  &c. 

Exercise.     (See  part  first.) 

Exostosis.  An  osseous  tumor  originating  from  a  bone  ; 
such  as  splent,  spavin,  ringbone,  &c.  Perhaps  no  animal  is 
more  subject  to  this  disease  than  the  horse  ;  and  in  no  depart- 
ment of  the  veterinary  science  is  there  a  greater  need  of 
reform  than  in  the  treatment  of  the  disease  now  under  con- 
sideration. Almost  every  man  who  knows  any  thing  about 
a  horse  can  detect  a  spavin,  &c. ;  but  not  one  in  a  hundred 
can  tell  any  thing  about  the  true  nature  of  the  malady,  or  the 
indications  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  treatment ;  and  in  conse- 
quence of  a  lack  of  knowledge  on  this  subject  many  a  poor 
animal  has  suffered  immensely,  who,  if  he  was  not  deprived 
of  the  power  of  speech,  would  make  the  ears  of  his  oppres- 
sors tingle  with  a  tale  of  man's  barbarity  and  inconsistency. 

The  bony  structure,  being  composed  of  vital  solids, 
although  studded  with  crystallizations  of  saline  carbonates  and 
phosphates,  is  liable,  like  other  parts  of  the  structure,  to  take  on 
preternatural  or  morbid  action,  and  may  result  from  or  ac- 
company constitutional  idiosyncrasies,  resulting  from  heredi- 
tary taints  on  the  side  of  the  dam  or  stallion.  The  most 
frequent  causes  of  splent,  spavin,  &c,  are  undue  acts  of  exer- 
tion on  hard  pavements,  and  the  imposition  of  weight  dispro- 
portioned  to  the  strength  of  the  animal :  young  horses  are 
particularly  liable  to  exostosis  when  severely  worked  or  over- 
burdened.    Any  sudden  or  extraordinary  efforts  in  backing 


22S  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

or  suddenly  pulling  up  at  full  speed,  racing  before  the  horse 
shall  have  arrived  at  maturity,  while  the  joints  are  yet  in 
a  state  of  imperfection,  very  frequently  lay  the  foundation 
of  exostosis.  The  parts  being  sprained  and  taxed  beyond 
endurance,  disease  is  excited  in  the  ligamentous  substance, 
and  extends  itself  to  the  periosteum  and  bones  ;  the  ligaments 
often  become  ossified,  and  are  rendered  fixtures ;  the  perios- 
teum, being  raised  by  bony  accumulations,  presents  itself  in 
the  situation  of  splents,  spavin,  or  ringbone. 

Sir  A.  Cooper  divides  exostosis,  in  reference  to  its  seat, 
into  two  kinds  —  periosteal  and  medullary;  and  again,  as 
to  its  nature,  into  cartilaginous  and  fungous.  "But,"  says 
Mr.  Percival,  J£  it  is  to  that  kind  only  which  is  situated 
between  the  shell  of  the  bone  and  the  periosteum  covering  it, 
that  we  have  to  attend  in  veterinary  practice.  On  dissection 
we  find  the  periosteum  thicker  than  usual,  with  cartilage 
beneath  it,  and  ossific  matter  within  the  cartilage,  extending 
from  the  shell  of  the  bone  nearly  to  the  internal  surface  of 
the  periosteum,  still  leaving  on  the  surface  of  the  swelling  a 
thin  portion  of  cartilage  nnossified." 

When  the  accretion  of  these  swellings  ceases,  and  the  dis- 
ease has  been  of  long  standing,  they  are  found  to  consist  on 
their  exterior  surface  of  a  shell  of  osseous  matter  similar  to  that 
of  the  original  bone  ;  consequently,  when  an  exostosis  has  been 
formed  in  the  manner  here  described,  the  shell  of  the  original 
bone  becomes  absorbed,  and  cancelli  are  deposited  in  its  place. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  the  outer  surface  of  the  exostosis  ac- 
quires a  shell  resembling  that  of  the  bone  itself.  When  the 
exostosis  has  been  steeped  in  an  acid,  and  by  this  means 
deprived  of  its  phosphate  of  lime,  the  cartilaginous  structure 
remains  of  the  same  form  and  magnitude  as  the  diseased  de- 
posits ;  and  as  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  discover,  it  is  effused 
precisely  in  the  same  manner  as  healthy  bone. 

"  An  exostosis,  abstractedly  considered,  does  not  appear  to 
occasion  much  inconvenience  to  the  animal,  except  in  the 
early  stages.  A  ringbone,  confined  to  the  pastern  bones,  is 
of  little  consideration  ;  but  should  it  show  itself  at  or  near 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  229 

the  joint,  it  seldom  fails  to  produce  lameness,  which  is  often 
of  a  permanent  nature.  Lameness,  therefore,  is  not  an  inva- 
riable symptom  of  exostosis  ;  for  most  splents,  and  many 
ringbones,  and  even  spavins,  exist  without  lameness.  When 
this  disease  invades  ligamentous  structure,  however,  lameness 
generally  accompanies  it  —  an  effect  we  would  refer  to  the  ex- 
cessive tenderness  of  the  part.  Should  the  tumor  interfere^ 
either  from  its  bulk  or  situation,  with  the  motions  of  joints, 
muscles,  or  tendons,  lameness  is  a  concomitant,  and  often 
irremediable  symptom." 

It  appears  that  various  constitutional  and  local  remedies 
have  been  tried  for  the  prevention  and  dispersion  of  exosto- 
sis, viz.,  "  the  actual  cautery,  ammonia,  cartharides,  caustic, and 
setons."  The  constitutional  remedies  are  of  the  same  destruc- 
tive nature,  and  have  but  too  often  aggravated  that  which  they 
were  intended  to  relieve  :  we  do  not  believe  that  any  specific 
treatment  has  ever  had  the  honor  of  curing  these  forms  of 
disease ;  that  course  of  treatment  we  have  ever  found  the 
most  satisfactory  that  is  calculated  to  promote  the  general 
health  by  sanative  means  ;  we  cleanse  the  system,  equalize 
the  circulation,  and  excite  healthy  action  to  the  parts  by  stim- 
ulants and  counter-irritation,  (if  the  parts  are  inactive;)  poul- 
tices, fomentations,  &c,  if  there  is  pain,  or  increased  action. 
If  this  is  done  early,  exostosis  is  easily  arrested,  unless  an 
hereditary  taint  is  manifest. 

"  The  removal  of  exostosis  by  an  operation,  we  are  told, 
has  been  performed  with  success,  and  no  doubt  there  are 
cases  in  which  it  may  safely  be  performed ;  yet  it  cannot  be 
successful  on  spavined  horses,  the  natural  termination  of 
spavin  being  anchylosis  of  the  bones  of  the  hock,  and  inter- 
articular  cartilage  :  a  knowledge  of  this  fact  has  led  men  to 
suppose  that  Nature  has  turned  a  somerset ;  and  they  endeavor 
to  set  her  right  with  the  firing  iron  and  the  implements  of 
death  ;  whereas,  if  her  intentions  were  aided,  the  result 
would  prove  more  satisfactory. 

Extravasation.  The  escape  of  blood  or  other  fluids  from 
their  proper  vessels. 

Eye.     (See  part  first.) 


230  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 


Palling  of  the  Yard  or  Penis.  This  disease  sometimes 
happens  to  horses  and  bulls,  in  consequence  of  swelling,  ex- 
crescence, and  ulceration  of  the  parts,  sometimes  of  an  obsti- 
nate or  malignant  nature.  It  may  also  be  occasioned  by  too 
frequent  sexual  intercourse.  It  may  also  depend  on  weakness 
of  the  part  ;  and  when  this  is  the  case,  there  is  no  ulceration 
nor  excrescence  about  it.  If  it  depend  on  debility,  then  tone 
up  the  whole  animal,  and  wash  the  parts,  first  with  Castile 
soap,  then  with  cold  water.  If  it  result  from  ulceration,  wash 
with  weak  vinegar  and  water,  afterwards  with  a  mixture  of 
powdered  charcoal  and  water.  The  latter  may  be  thrown  up 
the  sheath  with  a  common  syringe  or  injection  pipe.  When 
the  ulcers  show  a  disposition  to  heal,  a  little  powdered  bay- 
berry  bark  will  generally  complete  the  cure.  When  excres- 
cences form  on  the  sheath  or  inside  of  it,  they  should  be  taken 
off  by  applying  a  ligature  tight  around  their  base. 

Farcy.  A  disease  of  the  lymphatics  or  absorbent  vessels, 
Its  most  usual  form  is  that  of  small  tumors,  or  buds,  as  they 
are  termed,  which  make  their  appearance  in  different  parts  of 
the  surface,  gradually  become  soft,  or  suppurate,  and  burst, 
and  become  a  foul  ulcer.  Its  cause  may  be  found  in  any 
thing  that  will  derange  the  general  system,  or  produce  debil- 
ity ;  its  proximate  cause  is  immoderate  work,  inattention  to 
diet,  hot  unhealthy  stables,  sudden  changes  of  temperature, 
standing  on  filthy  litter,  &c. 

Fattening.     (See  part  first* ) 

Fauces.  That  part  of  the  throat  which  lies  behind  the  tongue. 

Feeding.     (See  part  first.) 

Femoral  Artery.     The  principal  artery  of  the  thigh. 

Femur,  or  Os  Femoris.     The  thigh  bone. 

Fetlock.  A  lock  of  hair  at  the  lower  part  of  the  fore  and 
hind  legs. 

Fetlock  Joint.     (See  Foot,  part  first.) 

Fever  is  a  powerful  effort  of  the  vital  principle  to  remove 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  231 

all  obstructions  to  ordinary  and  proper  action.  The  reason 
why  veterinary  practitioners  have  not  ascertained  this  fact 
heretofore  is,  because  they  have  been  guided  by  the  false  prin- 
ciple that  fever  is  disease.  Let  them  but  receive  the  truth  of 
the  definition  we  have  given,  then  the  light  will  begin  to 
shine,  and  medical  darkness  will  be  rendered  more  visible. 

Fever,  we  have  said,  is  an  effort  of  the  vital  power  to 
regain  its  equilibrium  of  action  through  the  system,  and 
should  never  be  subdued  by  the  use  of  agents  that  deprive 
the  organs  of  the  power  to  produce  it.  Fever  will  be 
generally  manifested  in  one  or  more  of  that  combination  of 
signs  commonly  given  as  a  description  of  fever,  viz.,  increased 
velocity  of  the  pulse,  heat,  redness,  pain  and  swelling,  thirst, 
obstructed  surface,  &c,  some  of  which  will  be  present,  local 
or  general,  in  greater  or  less  degree,  in  all  forms  of  disease. 
In  what  is  called  acute  attacks,  these  signs  are  very  mani- 
fest :  in  chronic  cases,  they  are  often  faint ;  but  still  they 
exist.  When  an  animal  has  taken  cold,  and  there  is  power 
enough  in  the  system  to  keep  up  a  continual  warfare  against 
obstructions,  the  disturbance  of  vital  action  being  unbroken, 
the  fever  is  called  pure,  or  unbroken.  The  powers  of  the 
system  may  become  exhausted  by  efforts  at  relief,  and  the 
fever  will  be  periodically  reduced :  this  form  of  fever  is 
called  remittent.  It  would  be  asburd  to  expect  that  the 
most  accurate  definition  of  fever  would  correspond,  in  all  its 
details,  with  another  case,  as  to  expect  all  animals  to  be  alike. 

There  are  many  agents  that  obstruct  vital  action,  and  many 
an  organ  to  be  obstructed,  which  some  have  classed  as  distinct 
fevers ;  for  example,  milk  fever,  puerperal  fever,  symptom- 
atic, typhus,  inflammatory,  &c.  Our  system  teaches  us  that 
there  is  but  one  cause  of  fever,  viz.,  the  natural  motive  power 
of  the  system,  and  but  one  fever  itself,  viz.,  accumulated  vital 
action  ;  hence  the  treatment  must  be  physiological. 

Veterinary  Surgeon  Percival,  in  an  article  on  fever,  says, 
"  We  have  no  more  reason,  not  near  so  much,  to  give  fever  a 
habitation  in  the  abdomen,  as  we  have  to  enthrone  it  in  the 
head ;  but  it  would  appear  from  the  full  range  of  observation, 


232  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

that  no  part  of  the  body  can  be  said  to  be  insusceptible  of 
inflammation  [local  fever]  in  human  fever,  though,  at  the 
same  time,  no  organ  is  invariably  or  exclusively  affected.  All 
I  wish  to  contend  for  is,  that  both,  idiopathic  aud  symptom- 
atic fevers  exhibit  the  same  form,  character,  and  species,  and 
the  same  general  means  of  cure  ;  and  that  were  it  not  for  the 
local  affection,  it  would  be  difficult  or  impossible  to  distin- 
guish them.  When  we  come  to  examine  the  accounts  of  dif- 
ferent authors  on  fever,  and  compare  them  one  with  another, 
we  can  hardly  refrain  from  coming,  to  the  conclusion  that 
their  descriptions  were  originally  derived  from  human  medi- 
cine, and  have  been  but  variously  modified  to  suit  the  pre- 
vailing doctrines  of  the  day ;  they  have  gone  through  a 
system  of  imaginary  fevers,  and  regularly  transferred  the 
observations  and  language  of  ancient  authors  upon  diseases 
of  the  human  species  to  the  constitution  of  quadrupeds." 

In  the  treatment  of  disease,  and  when  fever  is  present, 
manifested  by  a  determination  of  blood  to  the  head,  the  ob- 
ject is  to  invite  the  blood  downward  and  outward ;  or,  in 
other  words,  equalize  the  circulation  by  warmth  and  moisture 
externally,  as  in  lockjaw,  (which  see,  part  second  ;)  mix  a  table- 
spoonful  of  alterative  powder  (see  Appendix)  in  an  antispas- 
modic drink,  (see  Artispasmodics  ;)  continue  the  drinks  as 
occasion  may  require  ;  rub  the  legs  diligently  with  a  brush  ;  if 
they  are  still  cold,  anoint  them  with  stimulants,  (we  use  horse 
liniment ;  tincture  of  capsicum  will  answer  if  the  liniment 
is  not  at  hand.)  Bandage  the  legs  with  flannel,  if  the  weather 
is  cold  ;  this  diverts  the  action  of  the  available  vital  force  to 
the  surface  and  extremities ;  when  this  is  accomplished,  a  tea 
of  thoroughwort  will  arouse  the  topidity  of  the  bowels.  In- 
jections must  not  be  overlooked. 

If  disease  assumes  a  malignant  or  putrid  type,  substi- 
tute distemper  powder  for  alterative,  and  combine  with  anti- 
spasmodic drinks  ginger  and  capsicum,  in  small  quantities. 
There  is  no  danger  in  the  administration  of  the  latter, 
either  in  malignant  or  epidemic  disorders. 

In  neat  cattle,  should  fever  be  present,  the  eyes  appear  dull 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE     VETERINARY    ART.  233 

and  watery,  the  muzzle  dry,  and  rumination  has  ceased  :  then 
the  blood,  for  want  of  room  in  the  nutritive  tissues,  is  forced 
upon  the  lungs,  liver,  spleen,  brain,  or  other  glandular  tissues, 
and  men  have  named  the  disease  congestive  fever.  The 
author  advises  the  reader  not  to  feel  alarmed  about  the  fever, 
but  set  to  work  and  relieve  the  oppression  by  the  same  means 
as  above.  Disease  of  the  bowels,  garget  of  the  head  and 
udder,  will  require  fomentation  and  stimulants  to  the  parts. 

Filly.  A  name  given  to  a  mare  until  she  is  two  or  three 
years  old. 

Film.     Opacity  of  the  cornea.     (See  Eye,  part  first.) 

Filtration.  Straining  liquids  through  unsized  paper; 
also  through  sand  or  porous  stone. 

Firing.  A  severe  operation  often  performed  on  horses,  for 
spavins,  curbs,  ringbones,  &c.  Such  barbarity  should  never 
be  practised  :  it  is  a  disgrace  to  this  age  of  improvement. 
When  discoveries  are  leaping  on  discoveries,  and  medical 
reform  has  germinated,  shall  we  not  permit  the  poor  dumb 
brute  to  share  the  benefits  of  our  investigations  ?  Every  man 
who  loves  a  horse,  or  wishes  well  to  the  cause  of  humanity, 
will  say  that  a  more  safe  and  effectual  system  of  veterinary 
practice  is  necessary  to  rescue  from  the  torture  of  the  firing 
iron  one  of  the  noblest  and  most  valuable  quadrupeds  in  the 
world. 

"  The  rage  of  firing  is  very  generally,  and  much  too 
frequently  adopted,  and  no  doubt,  upon  most  occasions,  hur- 
ried on  by  the  pecuniary  propensity  and  dictation  of  the 
interested  operator,  anxious  to  display  his  dexterity,  or,  as 
Scrub  says,  '  his  newest  flourish  '  in  the  operation  ;  and 
when  performed,  and  the  horse  is  turned  out  to  grass,  if  taken 
up  sound,  I  shall  ever  attribute  much  more  of  the  cure  to 
that  grand  specific,  rest,  than  to  the  effects  of  his  fire."  (See 
Taplin's  Farriery,  p.  83.)  Hence  the  firing  iron,  like  all 
other  destructive  agents,  excites  the  system  to  rally  her  pow- 
ers and  resist  the  encroachments  of  disease  ;  yet  the  process  is 
like  taking  a  citadel  by  storm  ;  the  breaches  that  are  made  by 
the  weapons  of  warfare  (such  are  the  firing  iron,  scalpel,  lan- 
30 


234  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

cet,  and  poison)  can  be  traced,  and  leave  unmistakable 
evidences  of  their  encroachments.  Instead  of  provoking  the 
vital  powers  to  action  by  such  destructive  enginery,  we 
should  afford  Nature  all  the  aid  we  can,  but  never  interfere 
with  her  operations. 

Fistula  of  the  Withers.  "  An  obstinate  disease  of  the 
horse's  withers,  or  points  of  the  shoulder,  commonly  produced 
by  a  bruise  of  the  saddle."  No  wonder  Dr.  White  calls  it 
"  obstinate,"  when  the  following  treatment  is  recommended 
by  him.  "  The  scalding  mixture  —  it  consists  of  any  fixed 
oil,  (as  lamp  or  train  oil,)  spirit  of  turpentine,  verdigris,  and 
corrosive  sublimate.  These  are  put  into  an  iron  ladle,  and 
made  nearly  boiling  hot ;  and  in  this  state  the  mixture  is  to 
be  applied  to  the  diseased  parts,  by  means  of  a  little  tow 
fastened  to  the  end  of  a  stick !  It  is  necessary  to  prevent  the 
mixture  from  flowing  over  the  sound  parts,  as  it  would  not 
only  take  off  the  hair,  but  cause  ulceration  of  the  skin."  If 
this  mixture  will  produce  diseased  action  in  the  sound  parts, 
we  need  not  ask  what  will  be  the  result  when  applied  to  parts 
already  diseased.  The  author  has  cured  many  cases  of  fistula, 
by  treating  them  as  common  abscesses,  with  the  application 
of  stimulating  antiseptic  and  tonic  poultices,  (see  Poultices,) 
and  by  a  purifying  course  of  treatment,  with  proper  attention 
to  diet,  &c. 

Fleam.   An  instrument  with  which  horses  and  cattle  are  bled. 

Flesh.     A  common  name  for  the  muscles  of  the  body. 

Flexor  Muscles.  The  flexor  muscles  are  those  that  bend 
one  bone  upon  another.  The  muscles  that  serve  to  bend  the 
leg,  for  example,  are  named  flexors. 

Foaling.  The  bringing  forth  young  in  mares  is  not  so 
often  attended  with  difficulty  as  in  cows,  and  they  have 
seldom  occasion  for  assistance.  They  should  be  placed  in  a 
situation  where  they  may  have  shelter,  and  where  they  are 
free  from  danger. 

Fomentations.  Fomentations  are  generally  made  by  pour- 
ing boiling  water  on  camomiles,  burdock,  poplar  bark,  &c. 
For  an  emollient  fomentation,  ground  slippery  elm  is  preferred. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  235 

In  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  for  example,  it  may  be  foment- 
ed with  flannels  wrung  out  in  a  thin  mixture  of  slippery  elm. 

Foot.     (See  part  first.) 

Foot  Rot.  This  name  is  applied  to  a  disease  in  the  feet 
of  sheep.  This  disease  often  happens  to  such  as  are  fed  in  low 
meadows,  or  where  the  grass  holds  the  frost  or  cold  dews  for 
a  considerable  time.  Probably  a  foul  habit  of  body  may  be 
a  predisposing  cause.  In  the  treatment  of  foot  rot,  we 
should  endeavor  to  find  out  the  cause,  or  causes,  of  the  dis- 
order, and  change  the  food  or  location  of  the  sheep.  If  the 
disease  is  spread  under  the  horny  covering,  all  the  superfluous 
horn  should  be  carefully  pared  away,  so  that  the  dressing 
may  be  applied  to  the  whole  of  the  affected  parts.  The 
dressing  is  composed  of  powdered  lobelia,  formed  to  the  con- 
sistence of  paste,  with  honey. 

Foul  Feeders.  Horses  are  so  named  that  have  depraved 
or  vitiated  appetites,  eating  foul  litter  and  earth  from  the 
ground. 

Founder.  A  term  expressive  of  the  different  forms  of 
rheumatism  in  the  horse.  Veterinary  writers  describe  three 
different  forms  of  this  disease,  viz.,  founder  of  the  body, 
chest,  and  feet.  This  is  one  and  the  same  disease,  only  locat- 
ed in  different  parts,  and  may  arise  from  the  same  general 
causes  ;  which  consist  in  chilling  the  animal  when  exhausted, 
by  which  means  the  perspiration  is  obstructed,  by  much 
fatigue,  and  by  violent  and  long-continued  exertion :  ex- 
posing the  animal  to  cold  wind  or  rain,  or  washing  his 
legs  and  thighs,  and  sometimes  his  body,  is  often  the  cause 
of  founder.  Dr.  White  calls  "founder  a  term  expressive  of 
the  ruined  state  of  the  horse."  And  well  he  might  call  it 
"  ruined."  How  many  thousand  animals  have  been  ruined, 
not  by  the  disease,  but  by  the  treatment!  Here" is  a  specimen 
of  it.  Dr.  White  says,  "  The  horse  was  bled  before  I  saw 
him  :  five  quarts  of  blood  were  taken  off.  I  desired  he  might 
be  bled  again,  when  half  a  pailful  more  was  abstracted.  In 
less  than  an  hour  I  saw  him  again,  and,  finding  that  he  was 
not  relieved,  took  another  half  pailful,  amounting  in  all  to 


236  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

four  gallons !  The  horse  was  sent  home,  and  seemed  to  be 
doing  well  in  a  straw  yard,  though  very  iveak  and  thin.  [No 
wonder,  after  such  a  loss  sustained  by  the  vital  powers.]  At 
the  end  of  three  or  four  months,  he  began  to  lose  his  fore 
hoofs,  and  after  declining  some  time  longer,  he  died" — a 
victim  to  science.  It  is  evident  from  experience  and  facts, 
that  the  above  treatment  renders  the  disease  incurable,  and  is 
the  true  cause  of  death ;  therefore,  not  suitable  to  the  true 
ends  to  be  accomplished.  What,  then,  are  the  true  ends  to  be 
accomplished  ?  To  relax  muscular  structure,  determine 
acfion  to  the  surface,  improve  the  secretions,  and  remove 
obstructions  which  disturb  or  repel  vital  action.  This  will 
equalize  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  when  it  will  be  found 
that  there  will  be  no  necessity  for  diminishing  its  quantity. 
The  inflammation,  as  it  is  termed,  is  always  sufficiently 
controlled  when  the  circulation  of  the  blood  is  free  and  uni- 
versal. Therefore  we  of  the  reformed  school,  instead  of 
withdrawing  vital  action,  promote  its  equal  and  universal 
diffusion. 

Frog.     The  back  part  of  the  bottom  of  the  horse's  foot. 

G 

Galbanum.  A  gum  resin,  sometimes  employed  as  an 
expectorant  and  antispasmodic  ;  the  dose,  three  or  four 
drachms.  It  is  used,  also,  in  the  composition  of  warm  adhe- 
sive plasters,  such  as  gum  and  diachylon  plaster. 

Gall.     A  common  name  for  bile. 

Gall.  A  sore  produced  by  pressure,  or  chafing  of  the  sad- 
dle or  harness. 

Gall  Bladder.  The  horse  has  no  gall  bladder,  or  reser- 
voir for  bile.  A  considerable  quantity  of  bile,  however,  is 
formed  by  the  horse's  liver,  and  is  conveyed  by  the  hepatic 
duct  into  the  first  intestine,  or  duodenum.  In  the  cow  and 
sheep,  the  gall  bladder  is  of  considerable  size. 

Ganglion.  This  term  is  applied  to  a  natural  enlargement 
or  knot,  in  the  course  of  some  of  the  nerves. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  237 

Gangrene.  An  incipient  mortification.  In  this  stage  of 
the  disease,  there  is  generally  a  remission  of  pain ;  the  part 
is  deprived  of  vital  force,  by  causes  inducing  a  loss  of  tone. 

Garlic  It  operates  upon  the  horse  as  a  diffusible  stimu- 
lant and  expectorant  j  possessing,  also,  diuretic  properties. 
The  author  considers  garlic  a  valuable  remedial  agent  in  the 
treatment  of  any  disease  where  the  constitution  has  suffered 
through  hard  work,  or  ill  usage.  It  is  a  general  custom,  on 
the  eastern  coast  of  China,  to  allow  cattle  to  eat  as  much 
as  they  choose.  They  are  never  known  to  suffer  any  incon- 
venience from  it ;  on  the  contrary,  they  appear  to  thrive,  and 
are  scarcely  if  ever  sick.  The  only  objection  to  its  long- 
continued  use  in  cattle  is,  that  it  imparts  an  unpleasant  flavor 
to  the  meat.  It  is  considered  by  Gibson  to  be  a  valuable 
remedy  in  coughs.  He  advises  two  or  three  of  the  cloves  or 
kernels,  cut  small,  to  be  given  in  each  feed,  and  observes  that, 
by  continuing  this  practice,  with  right  and  well-timed  exer- 
cise and  careful  feeding,  he  has  known  many  horses  to  recover, 
even  when  there  has  been  a  suspicion  of  their  wind. 

Gastric  Juice.  A  juice  formed  in  the  stomach  for  the  pur- 
pose of  digestion. 

Gastritis.     Inflammation  of  the  stomach. 

Gaunt  Bellied.  A  term  applied  to  a  horse  when  he  is 
drawn  up  in  the  flank. 

Gelatine.     A  component  part  of  animal  matter. 

Gelding.  A  castrated  horse.  Such  horses  are  not  so  vig- 
orous as  stallions  ;  the  latter  are  freer  from  disease  than  geld- 
ings, and.  will  do  more  work,  and  keep  a  better  appearance,  as 
to  coat  and  flesh,  upon  the  same  quantity  of  food. 

Gentian  Root.  A  good  tonic  for  a  horse  :  the  dose  is  two 
or  three  drachms. 

Gestation.  Being  with  young.  The  time  of  gestation  in 
the  mare  is  eleven  months  ;  of  the  cow,  nine  months. 

Ginger.  An  aromatic  root,  possessing  stimulant  and  car- 
minative properties. 

Glanders.  A  contagious  disease  peculiar  to  the  horse,  the 
ass,  and  the  mule.     Many  persons  suppose  that  glanders  and 


238  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

farcy  are  the  effect  of  a  specific  poison  in  the  blood  j  but 
this  theory  is  exploded.  The  following  will  show  some 
light  on  the  subject,  for  which  we  are  indebted  to  R. 
Vines,  V.  S. :  '-All  the  symptoms  of  disease  which  constitute 
glanders  and  farcy,  invariably  depend  on  the  unhealthy  state 
of  the  system  into  which  it  is  reduced  or  brought,  and  not, 
as  is  supposed,  from  a  specific  poison  contained  in  the  blood  ; 
and  these  symptoms  of  disease  are  found  to  depend  on.  and 
arise  from,  a  variety  of  causes ;  whether  they  occur  at  the 
latter  states  or  stages  of  common  inflammatory  diseases,  such 
as  strangles,  common  cold,  distemper,  disease  of  the  lungs, 
dropsy,  &c,  or  whether  they  arise  independently  of  such 
causes  ;  for  when  the  system  is  brought  into  an  unhealthy  state, 
and  is  more  or  less  debilitated,  from  neglect,  or  by  the  improper 
treatment  of  any  of  these  diseases,  [many  of  them  are  im- 
properly treated,  — ]  farcy,  or  glanders,  is  the  result.  The 
diseases  of  every  animal  will,  therefore,  assume  a  character 
according  to  the  state  of  the  system."  Mr.  Percival,  V.  S., 
says,  "  The  state  of  the  body,  or  constitution,  will  always  have 
considerable  influence  on  the  character  and  tendency  of  dis- 
ease. In  horses  whose  bodies  are,  and  have  long  been,  in  an 
unthriving  and  unhealthy  condition,  a  common  swollen  leg 
will  occasionally  run  into  farcy ;  and  a  common  cold  or 
strangles,  or  an  attack  of  influenza,  be  followed  by  glanders. 
In  other  cases,  such  unfortunate  sequels  will  supervene  with- 
out any  ostensible  or  discoverable  cause."  The  great  fault  of 
those  who  have  employed  their  talents  in  the  investigation  of 
the  subject  (glanders)  is,  that  they  take  hold  of  the  wrong  end 
of  it  :  they  are  engaged  in  attempting  to  discover  the  "  specific 
poison,"  where  none  exists,  when  their  time  would  be  more 
profitably  engaged  in  studying  the  principles  of  a  system 
of  medication  that  would  rid  the  system  of  these  early 
exciting  causes,  viz.,  common  colds,  &c,  and  thus  prevent 
this  great  bugbear,  glanders.  The  author  can  at  any  time, 
within  a  period  of  a  few  months,  and  without  the  assist- 
ance of  "  specific  poison,"  manufacture  a  case  of  genuine 
glanders  out  of  the  following  materials :    A  horse  would  be 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  239 

selected  —  and  many  such  could  be  found  in  the  city  of  Bos- 
ton —  whose  general  health  shall  be  impaired ;  let  the  surface 
be  obstructed  by  standing  in  a  shower  of  rain,  without  any 
thing  to  protect  the  animal  from  the  pelting  storm  ;  then  put 
him  into  a  stall  near  the  door,  where  a  current  of  cold  air 
will  pass  the  hind  extremities  :  he  remains  in  this  situation 
during  the  night.  On  the  following  morning,  the  animal 
appears  dull,  and  is  off  his  feed.  It  is  soon  ascertained  that 
he  has  taken  cold  :  now  treat  him  according  to  the  kill-or-cure 
practice  :  "  If  there  is  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  the  throat 
is  sore,  —  or,  in  other  words,  the  usual  symptoms,  —  the  first 
thing  to  be  done  is,  to  bleed  largely,  until  the  horse  faints. 
He  should  then  be  put  into  a  cool  place.  It  is  often  necessary 
to  repeat  the  bleeding  two  or  three  times.  If  the  throat  is 
very  sore,  blister  the  part."  (See  Cantharides.)  The  secre- 
tions now  become  impaired,  there  is  loss  of  appetite,  the  coat 
stares  ;  there  is  a  dull,  sleepy  appearance  about  the  animal  ; 
the  discharge  from  the  nostrils  now  assumes  an  acrimonious 
and  putrid  character,  which,  acting  chemically  on  the  mem- 
brane of  the  nose,  constitutes  ulceration  :  the  latter  corrode 
the  cartilage  and  bones,  and  glanders  is  the  result.  Now  we 
will  view  it  in  another  form.  The  animal  has  taken  cold  ; 
(see  Catarrh  ;)  the  lungs  —  from  previous  disease,  and  the 
subsequent  inhalation  of  impure  air  in  a  hot  and  crowded 
stable  —  are  incapacitated,  and  their  power  to  purify  and 
vitalize  the  blood  is  destroyed  ;  hence  we  have  deposits  of 
morbific  matter  on  the  mucous  membrane,  which  corrode, 
ulcerate,  and  finally  attack  the  substance  of  the  lungs,  and 
tubercle  is  the  result,  which  may  terminate  in  glanders.  The 
expectoration,  or  passage  of  acrimonious  humors  through  the 
nostril  of  the  horse  from  the  lungs,  does,  in  its  passage,  irritate 
the  schneiderian  membrane  at  a  point  where  it  is  in  immediate 
contact  with  ossific  or  cartilaginous  structure,  and  sufficiently 
accounts  for  the  ulcers  found  in  the  nostrils  in  the  above  case. 
We  do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  glanders  can  be  produced  with- 
out  infection,  or  contagion,  and  that  a  common  cold  or  catarrh 
neglected,  or  improperly  treated,  will  often  terminate  in  glan- 


240  DICTIONARY    OP    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

ders.  Mr.  Tines,  V.S.,  states,  "  that  the  practice  of  physicking 
horses,  and  exposing  them  to  wet  and  cold,  when  they  have 
common  catarrh,  will  produce  confirmed  glanders." 

According  to  the  testimony  of  Mr.  G.  Pen  wick,  V.  S.,  of 
London,  "  Glanders  is  a  symptom  gf  tubercles  on  the  lungs  in 
nine  times  out  of  ten  ;  "  hence,  when  a  horse  has  taken  cold, 
and  the  surface  is  obstructed,  the  prudent  owner  will  endeavor 
to  force  a  crisis  j  that  is,  to  open  the  pores  of  the  skin,  and 
promote  perspiration.  This  can  be  done  by  the  use  of 
warmth  and  moisture  externally,  and  the  administration  of 
warm  antispasmodic  drinks.  This  will  relieve  the  stricture 
of  the  surface,  and  permit  the  egress  of  morbific  matter, 
which  would  otherwise  be  thrown  on  the  lungs,  or  kidneys. 
If  there  is  not  sufficient  power  in  the  system  to  determine 
action  to  the  surface,  then  administer  diffusible  stimulants. 
Mr.  Youatt  remarks,  "  Improper  stable  management  is  a  more 
frequent  cause  of  glanders  than  contagion.  The  air  which  is 
necessary  to  respiration  is  changed  and  empoisoned  in  its  pas- 
sage through  the  lungs  ;  and  a  fresh  supply  is  necessary  for 
the  support  of  life.  That  supply  may  be  sufficient  barely  to 
support  life,  but  not  to  prevent  the  vitiated  air  from  again  and 
again  passing  to  the  lungs,  and  producing  irritation  and  dis- 
ease. The  membrane  of  the  nose,  possessed  of  extreme  sen- 
sibility, is  easily  irritated  by  this  poison.  Professor  Coleman 
relates  a  case  which  proves  to  demonstration  the  rapid  and 
fatal  agency  of  this  cause  :  "In  the  expedition  to  Gluiberon, 
the  horses  had  not  been  long  on  board  the  transports,  before  it 
became  necessary  to  shut  down  the  hatchways  :  the  conse- 
quence of  this  was,  that  some  of  them  were  suffocated, 
and  that  all  the  rest  were  disembarked  either  glandered  or 
farcied."  In  a  close  stable,  the  air  is  not  only  vitiated  by 
breathing,  but  there  are  other  and  more  powerful  sources  of 
mischief.  The  dung  and  the  urine  are  suffered  to  remain, 
fermenting  and  giving  out  injurious  gases. 

Glands.  Soft,  spongy  substances  in  various  parts  of  the 
body,  which  serve  to  secrete  particular  humors  from  the 
blood.     They  are  vulgarly  called  kernels. 


DICTIONARY    OP    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  241 

Gleet.  A  discharge  of  a  mucous  fluid  from  the  urethra, 
vagina,  or  nostrils. 

Glotti  .  The  upper  part  of  the  larynx,  or  top  of  the 
windpipe.  The  sensibility  of  this  part  is  so  great,  that  if  any 
substance  happen  to  fall  into  the  larynx,  the  most  painful 
and  distressing  symptoms  are  produced  ;  and  unless  the  ex- 
traneous matter  be  expelled  by  coughing,  or  removed  by  an 
operation,  (bronchotomy)  a  fatal  termination  will  be  the  con- 
sequence. 

Gorged.  A  term  applied  to  cattle  with  an  overloaded 
stomach.  When  they  are  in  this  state,  they  are  said  to  be 
blasted,  blown,  or  hoven ;  probably  from  the  quantity  of  car- 
bonic acid  gas  that  is  generated,  and  by  which  the  stomach 
is  so  distended  that  cattle  often  die  in  consequence  of  it. 
When  cattle  are  put  into  a  pasture,  which  abounds  in 
nutritious  food,  to  which  they  have  been  unaccustomed,  or 
have  an  improper  quantity  given  them,  they  frequently  fill 
the  paunch  to  such  an  extent  that  they  are  incapable  of  rumi- 
nating :  hence,  the  food  remaining  in  a  warm  situation,  the 
combined  action  of  heat  and  moisture  generates  the  gas. 

Granulations.  A  term  applied  to  the  little  red,  grain-like, 
fleshy  bodies,  which  arise  on  the  surface  of  ulcers  and  suppu- 
rating sores.  Their  use  is  to  fill  up  cavities,  and  approximate 
the  sides. 

Grease.  A  swelling  of  the  horse's  heels,  and  discharge 
of  stinking  matter.     (For  treatment,  see  Appendix.) 

Gripes.     (See  Colic)* 

*  Scientific  Treatment  of  Colic,  or  Gripes.  "  On  the  5th  Sept., 
1824,  a  young  bay  mare  was  admitted  into  the  infirmary  with  symptoms  of 
colic,  for  which  she  lost  eight  pounds  of  blood  before  she  came  in.  The 
following  drench  was  prescribed  to  be  given  immediately:  laudanum  and  oil 
of  turpentine,  of  each,  three  ounces,  with  the  addition  of  six  ounces  of 
decoction  of  aloes.  In  the  course  of  half  an  hour  this  was  repeated !  But 
shortly  after  she  vomited  the  greater  part  by  the  mouth  and  nostrils.  No 
relief  having  been  obtained,  twelve  pounds  of  blood  were  taken  from  her, 
and  the  same  drink  was  given.  In  another  hour  this  drench  was  repeated  ; 
and,  for  the  fourth  time,  during  the  succeeding  hour ;  both  of  which,  before 
death,  she  rejected,  as  she  had  done  the  second  drink.  Notwithstanding  these 
31 


242  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Gristle.  A  name  commonly  given  to  cartilage.  (See 
Cartilage.) 

Grogginess.  A  horse  is  said  to  be  groggy,  when  he  has  a 
tenderness,  or  stiffness,  about  the  feet,  which  causes  him  to 
go  in  an  uneasy,  hobbling  manner. 

Gullet,  or  (Esophagus.  A  muscular  and  membranous 
tube,  by  which  the  food,  &c,  is  conveyed  from  the  mouth  to 
the  stomach.  The  upper  part,  or  funnel-like  cavity,  is  named 
pharynx.  The  gullet  passes  down  the  neck  behind  the 
windpipe,  along  the  back  bones  through  the  diaphragm,  and 
terminating  in  the  stomach. 

Gums.     The  fleshy  parts  of  the  sockets  of  the  teeth. 

.  H 

Habit.  By  this  term  is  meant  the  disposition,  or  tempera- 
ment, of  the  body  or  constitution,  whether  natural  or  acquired. 
The  term  habit  is  also  applied  to  any  vice,  as  starting,  kick- 
ing, rearing,  &c.  All  bad  habits,  whether  of  the  body,  con- 
stitution, temper,  or  disposition  of  animals,  may  be  in  some 
measure  corrected,  if  not  entirely  put  a  stop  to,  by  proper 
attention  to  breaking,  breeding,  and  stable  management. 

Halter  Cast.  Owing  to  the  improper  length  of  the 
halter,  the  horse  is  apt  to  get  his  fore  leg  across  it,  falls 
down,  and  sometimes  injures  himself  considerably. 

Ham.  This  is  the  name  given  to  the  muscular  part  of 
the  hind  leg,  terminating  in  the  great  tendo  Achillis,  or  ham- 
string. 

active  measures  were  promptly  taken,  she  died  about  three  hours  after  her 
admission."  (See  Clarke's  Essay  on  Gripes.)  It  appears  that  the  doctors 
made  short  work  of  it.  Twelve  ounces  of  laudanum,  and  the  same  of 
turpentine,  in  three  hours !  But  this  is  secundum  artem.  This  is  called 
skilful  treatment,  and  justifiable  in  every  case  where  the  symptoms  are 
urgent. 

Had  the  relaxing  and  stimulating  plan,  practised  by  us,  been  resorted  to, 
and  in  a  proper  time  and  manner,  it  would  probably  have  saved  the  poor 
brute.  We  have  attended  a  large  number  of  the  same  sort  of  cases,  and 
have  not  yet  lost  the  first. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  243 

Hand.  The  division  in  the  standard  for  measuring  horses 
is  thus  named.     A  hand  is  four  inches. 

Haw.     (See  Eye,  part  first.) 

Hay.     (See  Feeding,  part  first.) 

Heart.     (See  part  first.) 

Heel.  A  term  applied  to  the  back  part  ot  the  termination 
of  the  hoof. 

Hemlock.  A  narcotic  vegetable  poison,  deriving  its  dele- 
terious properties  from  an  alkaline  principle,  called  conia. 
It  has  been  known  to  kill  many  horses,  who  have  partaken 
of  it. 

Hemorrhage.  A  flow  of  blood  from  any  part  of  the  body, 
in  consequence  of  the  rupture  of  an  artery  or  vein.  Hemor- 
rhage from  external  injury  is  most  readily  stopped  by  taking 
up  the  bleeding  vessel,  and  tying  it  with  saddler's  silk ;  but 
when  this  cannot  be  done,  the  bleeding  may  generally  be 
stopped  by  pressure,  or  styptics.     (See  Styptics.) 

Hepatitis.     Inflammation  of  the  liver. 

Hide-bound.  When  horses  are  out  of  condition,  and  have 
harsh  dry  coats,  the  skin  will  be  contracted  and  found  tight 
about  the  ribs.  It  is  a  symptom  of  disease,  and  shows  that 
the  general  health  is  impaired. 

Hip-shot.  This  is  known  by  one  of  the  hip  bones  being 
lower  than  the  other.  It  generally  depends  on  a  fracture  of 
the  os  innominatum,  or  small  part  of  the  hip  bone  ;  the  part 
having  formed  an  irregular  kind  of  union,  so  that  the  bone  on 
that  side  is  shorter  than  the  other. 

Hock,  or  Hough.  The  horse's  hock  is  composed  of  six 
bones.  These  bones  are  all  connected  together  by  very  strong 
ligaments,  which  prevent  dislocation,  but  allow  a  slight  degree 
of  motion  among  them.  The  surfaces  that  are  opposed  to 
each  other  are  thickly  covered  by  elastic  cartilage,  and  by  a 
membrane  secreting  the  synovia,  or  oily  fluid,  which  guards 
against  friction.  These  bones  are  so  strongly  bound  together 
as  almost  to  defy  dislocation. 

Hoof.     (See  plate  4,  part  first.) 

Hoof-bound.     A  dry,  brittle,  and  morbid  state  of  the  foot. 


244  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

A  want  of  vital  action,  occasioned,  says  Dr.  White,  "  by  in- 
flammation," which  he  calls  disease.  Now,  it  is  evident  that 
no  vital  action,  as  that  of  fever  and  inflammation,  can  be 
properly  termed  disease.  The  only  action  that  can  be  prop- 
erly termed  disease,  is  the  chemical  action  manifested  in 
suppuration  and  gangrene.  This  is  the  great  popular  error 
that  we  are  laboring  to  overcome.  It  is  that  of  attributing 
disease  and  death  to  the  action  of  the  powers  of  life.  When 
a  part  is  become  diseased,  especially  the  foot,  (for  from  it  the 
blood  has  a  kind  of  up-hill  work  to  perform,  in  returning  to 
the  heart  by  the  veins,)  there  is  a  low  state  of  vitality  ;  very 
little  can  be  accomplished  by  the  vital  powers,  amounting 
only  to  a  low  form  of  inflammation.  And,  of  course,  the 
chemical  power  of  decomposition,  always  present  and  never 
tired,  gets  the  advantage  and  decomposes  the  part ;  we  then 
have  thrush,  which  if  improperly  treated,  the  hoof  falls  off 
by  the  process  of  decomposition,  or,  in  other  words,  mor- 
tification. It  becomes  separated  from  the  living  parts,  for 
want  of  inflammation,  or  vital  supremacy,  over  chemical 
agency ;  and  then  the  loss  of  the  hoof  is  strangely  attributed 
to  inflammation,  or  the  vital  power,  which  did  all  it  could  to 
prevent  such  a  termination. 

Hoof  Casting.  A  partial,  or  complete  separation  of  the 
horse's  hoof  from  the  sensitive  foot.     (See  plate  5,  part  first.) 

Hoose.  A  term  used  by  cow  doctors.  It  signifies  a 
cough,  either  chronic  or  acute,  with  which  cattle  are  affected 
from  exposure  to  cold  winds  or  rain. 

Horehound.  A  bitter  vegetable,  used  in  horse  practice  as 
a  tonic  and  expectorant. 

Hoven.     (See  Blasted.) 

Hydatid.  A  thin  bladder  containing  a  fluid  resembling 
water,  and  nearly  transparent.  It  is  found  in  different  ani- 
mals. In  sheep,  it  occasions  a  disease  named  gid,  or  giddi- 
ness ;  the  hydatid  being  found  in  one  of  the  ventricles  of  the 
brain,  or  in  its  convolutions.  On  account  of  the  pressure  it 
makes  on  the  brain,  it  disturbs  the  functions  of  that  important 
organ,  especially  when  the  sheep  are  hurried  or  driven. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  245 

Hydrocele.     Dropsy  of  the  testicle  and  its  appendages. 

Hydrophobia.     Canine  madness. 

Hydrothorax,  or  Dropsy  of  the  Chest.  Mr.  Percival 
informs  us,  "  that  the  objects  to  be  pursued  in  the  treatment 
of  hydrothorax  are  twofold :  first,  we  are  to  diminish  any 
excess  of  action  that  may  show  itself  in  the  sanguineous 
system,*  and  thereby  lessen  the  effusion  of  fluid  into  the 
chest ;  and  secondly,  by  increasing  the  action  of  the  absorb- 
ent system,  effect  the  removal  of  what  is  already  accumulat- 
ed." f  Most  surgeons  recommend  early  tapping  in  dropsy. 
The  operation  may  be  performed  with  the  common  trocar  and 
canula.  The  best  place  for  the  introduction  of  the  instru- 
ment, is  the  space  between  the  eighth  and  ninth  ribs,  close 
to  their  cartilages ;  not  between  the  latter,  lest  the  pericar- 
dium be  punctured.  Here,  making  the  skin  tense  with  the 
fingers  of  the  left  hand,  the  instrument,  with  its  point  directed 
upwards  and  inwards,   may,  with  a  little  rotary  movement, 

#  In  plain  English,  abstract  blood.  This  not  only  diminishes  the  san- 
guineous system,  but  every  other  function  or  system.  The  regulars  have 
tried  bloodletting  to  their  hearts'  content ;  their  patients  have  been  rowelled, 
blistered,  calomelized,  turpentinized,  and  hellebored,  yet  they  have  never 
been  able  to  preserve  life,  "  except  two  solitary  cases  in  Mr.  Sewell's  prac- 
tice ;"  for  Mr.  Percival  tells  us,  in  his  lectures,  that  "he  never  saw  a  case 
terminate  favorably."  Is  not  this  a  proof  that  our  brethren  are  on  the  wrong 
track  ?  We  are  told  that  the  proximate  causes  of  dropsy  are,  "  debility,  and 
an  obstructed  perspiration ; "  and  that  it  may  result  from  "  loss  of  blood, 
diarrhoea,  diabetes,  and  other  circumstances  that  rapidly  exhaust  the  sys- 
tem." Hence  the  processes  of  cure  are  just  the  means  calculated  to  produce 
the  disease.  The  true  indications  in  the  treatment  are,  to  warm  and  relax 
the  surface,  and  promote  perspiration ;  for  whatever  checks  it,  stops  the 
egress  of  morbific  matter  from  the  system,  and,  of  course,  determines  it 
upon  the  internal  surfaces.  Diffusible  stimulants  may  be  given,  to  keep 
up  the  action  on  the  surface.     The  general  health  must  be  improved. 

f  The  action  of  the  absorbent  system  never  was,  nor  never  can  be,  excited 
when  the  lancet  is  cooperative.  Absorption  is  a  physiological  result,  and 
cannot  be  excited  by  agents  that  act  pathologically.  The  balance  between 
exhalation  and  absorption  is  lost,  in  consequence  of  which,  more  fluid  is 
poured  out  than  is  taken  up :  hence,  if  we  excite  the  exhalents  to  throw  off 
the  morbid  fluids  from  the  surface,  there  will  be  less  for  the  absorbent  to 
take  up,  and  the  chances  of  success  will  be  greater. 


246  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

gradually  be  thrust  in,  until  the  resistance  to  its  entry  sud- 
denly ceases ;  when  the  trocar  should  be  withdrawn,  and  the 
canula  at  the  same  time  pushed  onwards,  lest  it  slip  out.  If 
the  flow  of  water  suddenly  ceases,  a  small  whalebone  probe 
should  be  introduced  through  the  pipe. 


Ichor.  A  thin,  acrimonious  discharge  from  ulcers,  or  dis- 
eased parts. 

Icterus.     Jaundice,  or  yellows. 

Idiosyncrasy.     A  peculiar  constitution,  or  temperament. 

Ileum.  The  last  portion  of  the  small  intestine.  It  termi- 
nates in  the  large  intestine,  or  blind  gut,  named  caecum. 

Imposthume.     A  collection  of  matter,  or  pus,  in  any  part. 

Incontinence  of  Urine.  A  continual  dripping  of  the 
urine  from  a  horse's  sheath.     (For  treatment,  see  Appendix.) 

Indigestion.     (See  Remarks  on  Feeding,  part  first.) 

Inflammation.  Inflammation  and  fever  are  one  and  the 
same  thing.  When  fever  is  confined  to  a  small  part,  it  is 
called  inflammation.  (See  Inflammation,  part  first.)  Dr. 
White,  although  an  advocate  of  the  popular  error,  viz.,  blood- 
letting, makes  some  very  sensible  remarks  on  the  subject. 
If  men,  generally,  would  carry  out  these  principles,  they 
would  prevent  a  great  loss  of  property.  "  It  must  be  obvi- 
ous, that  when  an  animal  is  laboring  under  general  inflamma- 
tion, or  fever,  in  consequence  of  a  suppression  of  the 
natural  discharges,  whether  it  be  perspiration,  urine,  or  dung, 
he  cannot  be  cured  merely  by  the  abstraction  of  blood  ;  for, 
however  large  the  quantity  abstracted,  that  which  remains 
will  be  impure,  or  acrimonious,  and  unfit  for  carrying  on  a 
healthy  action.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  to  restore  the 
natural  discharges  by  means  of  suitable  medicines,  unless  that 
be  effected  by  an  effort  of  nature,  which  is  not  an  uncommon 
occurrence,  especially  when  the  animal  is  supplied  with  some 
bland  fluid,  such  as  bran  water  or  thin  bran  mashes.  The 
morbid  matter  sometimes  runs  off  by  the  nostrils,  sometimes 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  247 

by  the  kidneys  or  bowels,  and  sometimes  by  a  general  relaxa- 
tion of  the  skin,  and  the  body  is  thus  restored  to  health." 
From  the  above  we  are  led  to  the  conclusion,  that  after  all. 
Nature  is  the  most  efficient  doctor,  and  that  man  should  be 
her  servant,  to  procure  what  she  wants,  merely  to  be  used  in 
her  own  way. 

Influenza.  Epidemic  catarrh.  Catarrhs,  or  violent  colds, 
attended  with  sore  throat,  and  a  thin,  watery  discharge  from 
the  eyes  and  nose.  It  appears  to  be  infectious,  seldom  making 
its  appearance  without  attacking  several  horses  in  the  same 
stable.  The  horse  should  subsist  on  warm  gruel,  and  have  a 
blanket  thrown  over  him,  and  a  drink  of  hyssop  tea.  As  soon 
as  the  surface  of  the  body  is  relaxed,  and  becomes  moist,  the 
catarrh  will  disappear. 

Infusion.     (See  Decoction.) 

Injection.     A  term  sometimes  applied  to  clysters. 

Inosculation.  The  running  of  arteries  and  veins  into  one 
another,  or  the  inter-union  of  the  extremities  of  arteries  and 
veins. 

Inspiration.     The  act  of  drawing  air  into  the  lungs. 

Integument.  Any  common  covering  of  the  body  :  it  gene- 
rally includes  skin,  muscle,  and  membrane. 

Intercostal.  A  term  given  to  parts  situated  between  the 
ribs  :  thus  we  have  intercostal  muscles,  &c. 

Interfering.     (See  Cutting.) 

Intermittent.  A  name  given  to  disorders  that  appear  to 
go  off  at  certain  periods,  and  return  after  some  interval. 

Intestines.     (See  Chymification,  part  first.) 

Intus-susception.  This  is  occasioned  by  one  portion  of 
the  bowels  being  forced  down  within  the  other. 

Iris.  That  part  of  the  eye  by  which  the  light  admitted 
to  the  retina  is  regulated. 

Irritability.  All  muscular  parts  possess  the  property  of 
contracting,  or  shrinking,  when  irritated,  and  are  therefore 
endowed  with  irritability. 

Issues.     (See  Rowels.) 

Itching.  Itching  in  horses  is  generally  a  consequence  of 
foul  feeding,  and  may  be  occasioned  by  mange. 


248  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 


Jaundice.  In  jaundice,  the  natural  course  of  the  bile  is 
perverted,  and  reabsorbed  into  the  circulation. 

Jaw,  Locked.     (See  Lockjaw.) 

Jejunum.  Part  of  the  small  intestine  is  thus  named  from 
its  being  generally  found  empty. 

Joints.  A  joint  is  formed,  generally  .speaking,  by  the 
heads  of  two  or  more  bones.  These  ends  are  covered  by  a 
layer  of  cartilage  or  gristle,  which  is  of  a  yielding  nature. 
There  is  formed  within  the  joint  a  slippery  fluid,  called  syno- 
via, or  joint  oil.  The  ends  of  the  bones,  thus  covered  with  a 
smooth,  yielding  surface,  so  slippery  that  they  move  freely  on 
each  other  without  suffering ...  from  friction,  are  then  firmly 
tied  together  by  a  strong  substance,  named  ligament,  which 
completely  surrounds  the  head  of  the  bones  :  this  is  termed 
capsular  ligament.  In  some  joints  we  find  an  additional  liga- 
ment within  the  capsular  ligament,  or  cavity  :  thus,  in  the  hip 
joint,  a  strong  ligament  connects  the  head  of  the  thigh  bone 
with  the  socket  that  receives  it. 

Joints  are  subject  to  disease,  either  from  external  injury,  or 
from  long-continued  exertion  of  them.  In  the  former,  the 
capsular  ligament  is  penetrated,  and  a  discharge  of  synovia 
ensues.  Mr.  Percival  remarks  "  that,  in  many  cases  of  open 
joint,  (commonly  called  so,)  there  is  no  division  nor  injury 
whatever  of  the  capsular  ligament  j  but  merely  the  exposure 
of  some  bursa  mucosa  placed  between  the  joint  and  the  ex- 
ternal wound  :  the  discharge  is  of  the  same  kind  as  in  the 
former  case,  and  we  can  only  determine  which  it  is  by  carefully 
probing  the  wound.  Most  of  all  we  are  likely  to  make  this 
mistake  in  the  shoulder  joint  and  hock,  when  heat  and  swell- 
ing are  present.  From  the  acute  sensibility  of  ligamentous 
parts  when  inflamed,  the  system  quickly,  and  almost  invaria- 
riably,  sympathizes  ;  so  that,  in  all  severe  cases  of  this  nature, 
symptomatic  fever  supervenes,  the  pulse  becomes  accelerated, 
the  horse  heaves  at  the  flanks,  refuses  his  food,  and  shows 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  249 

symptoms  of  the  most  affecting  suffering.  It  must  be  borne 
in  mind  that,  although  a  joint  be  not  open  in  the  first 
instance,  subsequent  sloughing  may  expose  its  cavity.  Now, 
the  ordinary  effects  of  disease  in  the  synovial  membrane  are, 
first,  a  preternatural  secretion  of  synovia,  —  hence  the  pro- 
fuse discharge  observed  in  these  cases  ;  second,  an  effusion  of 
adhesive  matter  into  the  cavity  of  the  joint ;  third,  a  thick- 
ening of  the  synovial  membrane,  a  conversion  of  it  into  a 
substance  resembling  gristle,  and  an  effusion  of  adhesive  mat- 
ter, and  probably  serum,  into  the  cellular  substance  around, 
by  which  the  external  parts  and  those  of  the  joints  are  firmly 
cemented  together.  In  the  latter  stage  the  disease  commonly 
extends  itself  to  the  cartilaginous  surfaces  ;  they  exfoliate,  leav- 
ing the  extremities  of  the  bones  denuded,  to  grate  on  each 
other  as  often  as  the  joint  is  moved.  The  bones,  in  their 
turn,  throw  out  deposits  from  their  ends  around  the  joint  — a 
process  that  ultimately  ensues,  and  anchylosis  is  the  result." 

The  indication  to  be  fulfilled  is  to  promote  adhesion  by 
bringing  the  edges  together,  and  confining  them  in  contact 
either  by  taking  a  few  stitches,  or  shaving  the  hair  off  around 
the  parts,  and  applying  strips  of  adhesive  plaster.  The  parts 
may  have  a  pledget  of  lint  bound  on,  moistened  with  healing 
balsam  ;  and  if  the  limb  will  admit  of  it,  a  splint  may  be 
bound  to  the  back  part  of  it,  so  as  to  prevent  all  possibility 
of  flexion.  If  union  cannot  be  produced  by  this  means,  the 
parts  may  be  poulticed  with  astringents.  (See  Appendix.) 
The  object  is  to  close  the  joint,  and  promote  granulation. 
If  the  parts  are  inactive,  sprinkle  the  surface  of  the  poultice 
with  charcoal  and  capsicum.  In  a  case  that  came  under  the 
author's  care  in  this  city,  and  one  in  which  there  was  no  hope 
of  its  healing  by  the  first  intention,  the  tincture  of  capsi- 
cum was  daily  injected  :  this,  together  with  tonic,  stimulat- 
ing, astringent  poultices  and  fomentations,  completed  the  cure. 
In  cases  where  the  external  wound  is  large,  and  there  is  much 
heat,  pain,  and  loss  of  motion,  poultices  of  a  relaxing  and 
lubricating  nature  should  be  used ;  such  are  lobelia  and 
slippery  elm.  A  severe  injury  of  this  kind  may  be  converted 
32 


250  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

into  a  simple  wound  by  the  combined  influence  of  these  rem- 
edies. The  horse  should  be  kept  at  rest,  on  a  light  diet  of 
scalded  food,  and  an  occasional  dose  of  alterative  powder. 
(See  Appendix.) 

When  lameness  is  manifest  without  heat  or  swelling,  and 
there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  the  animal  has  been  over- 
worked, rest  and  proper  attention  to  diet  will  be  all  that  is 
necessary.  When  the  case  is  one  of  long  standing,  a  run  at 
grass  may  effect  a  cure,  unless  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that 
the  articulatory  surfaces  of  the  bones  are  diseased ;  we  are 
not  supposed  to  do  more  for  these  subjects  that  alleviate  their 
sufferings,  or,  what  amounts  to  the  same  thing,  diminish  their 
lameness  :  restoring  them  to  soundness  is  out  of  the  question. 

Jugular  Veins.  The  large  veins  of  the  neck,  where  a 
horse  is  bled. 

K 

Kernels.  A  common  name  for  glands :  thus  the  parotid 
glands,  situated  beneath  the  ear,  are  termed  the  kernels  under 
the  ear,  and  the  submaxillary  glands  under  the  jaws,  the  ker- 
nels under  the  jaws. 

Kidneys.     (See  Glandular  Secretions.) 

Kino.     An  astringent  gum  resin. 


Lacteals.  Absorbent  vessels  which  convey  the  chyle  from 
the  bowels  into  the  thoracic  duct. 

Lameness.  The  cause  of  lameness  in  horses  is  often  very 
obscure,  and  can  only  be  discovered  by,  a  patient  and  careful 
examination.  A  slight  degree  of  lameness  often  passes  unno- 
ticed ;  or,  if  it  be  observed,  the  owner  too  often  persuades 
himself  that  it  will  pass  off.  It  is  always  the  most  prudent 
plan  to  lay  up  a  horse  the  moment  he  is  observed  to  be  lame, 
and  submit  to  the  inconvenience  of  doing  without  his  services 
until  he  is  cured.  When  lameness  is  caused  by  wounds  or 
bruises,  the  injured  part  is  generally  discovered  without  diffi- 
culty, though  pricking,  in  shoeing,  is  not  always  so  easily 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  251 

^een.  All  lameness  from  injuries  within  the  hoof  is  often 
detected  with  difficulty.  Slight  lameness  is  most  readily  seen 
by  making  the  horse  trot  gently,  without  giving  any  support 
to  the  head  by  the  bridle  or  halter,  and  without  urging  him 
with  the  whip  :  the  lameness  is  then  seen  by  his  dropping 
harder  and  dwelling  longer  on  the  sound  leg  than  on  the  lame 
one,  in  order  to  favor  the  latter ;  and  this,  when  the  lameness 
is  at  all  considerable,  is  attended  with  a  corresponding  motion 
of  the  head,  which  drops  a  little  whenever  he  steps  on  the 
sound  limb.  An  experienced  observer  can  at  any  time  distin- 
guish lameness  merely  by  seeing  a  horse  walk  out  of  the 
stable.  It  often  happens,  in  very  severe  lameness  of  one  or 
both  fore  feet,  that  the  horse,  when  led  out,  will  appear  to  be 
lame  in  the  hind  feet  also  :  this  is  occasioned  by  the  animal 
endeavoring  to  favor  the  fore  foot  or  feet  by  throwing  the 
bulk  of  his  weight  on  the  hind  legs.  In  all  cases  of  lame- 
ness, unless  the  cause  is  so  evident  as  to  render  it  unneces- 
sary, it  is  proper  to  examine  the  foot  carefully  in  the  first 
place  ;  and  it  should  never  be  forgotten  that  swelling,  heat, 
and  tenderness  of  the  fetlock  joint,  or  even  the  leg,  may  arise 
from  an  injury  to  the  foot.  In  lameness  of  the  foot,  the 
affected  foot  will  be  warmer  than  the  other.  Considerable 
relief  may  almost  always  be  afforded  in  foot  lameness  by 
keeping  the  feet  moist,  or  pasturing  the  animal  in  soft  meadow 
land,  or  by  stopping  the  bottoms  of  the  feet  with  cow-dung 
and  clay  ;  by  paring  them  when  necessary.  We  sometimes 
find,  on  examining  a  lame  foot,  that  there  is  an  enlargement 
immediately  above  the  coronet,  at  the  heels  and  quarters,  and 
that  this  enlargement  feels  hard  and  bony.  This  is  termed 
ossification  of  the  lateral  cartilages ;  it  is  more  distinctly  seen 
by  comparing  it  with  a  sound  foot.  In  lameness  of  the  foot, 
there  is  sometimes  a  crack  in  the  horn  towards  the  heels, 
extending  from  the  coronet  a  little  way  down  the  hoof:  this 
happens  sometimes  after  a  horse  has  been  travelling.  This  is 
named  a  sand-crack.  When  the  seat  of  lameness  is  in  the 
fetlock  joint,  some  degree  of  heat  or  swelling  will  be  per- 
ceived.    As  the  horse  stands,  he  will  be  observed  to  favor  the 


252  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

joint.  Lameness  of  the  back,  sinews,  or  flexor  tendons  of  the 
leg,  is  easily  perceived  by  the  heat  and  tenderness  of  the  part. 
(See  Strains.) 

Lampas.  A  swelling  and  sometimes  tenderness  of  the  roof 
of  the  mouth,  adjoining  the  front  teeth.  When  the  part  is 
tender,  and  prevents  the  horse  from  feeding,  he  should  be  fed 
on  scalded  shorts  for  a  few  days  ;  during  that  time,  the  mouth 
may  be  washed  twice  a  day  with  an  infusion  of  powdered 
bayberry  bark.  Two  ounces  of  bark  may  be  infused  in  one 
quart  of  boiling  water  :  after  macerating  for  one  hour,  it  will 
be  fit  for  use. 

Larynx.     The  upper  part  of  the  trachea  or  windpipe. 

Lax.     (See  Scouring.) 

Laxative.  Medicines  that  purge  gently ;  the  most  simple 
and  safe  is  linseed  oil. 

Ligaments  are  strong,  elastic  membranes,  connecting  the 
extremities  of  the  movable  bones. 

Ligature.  Twine,  thread,  or  silk,  waxed,  for  the  purpose 
of  tying  arteries,  veins,  or  other  parts. 

Light.     (See  Stable  Management,  part  first.) 

Lights.     A  common  name  for  lungs. 

Lily.  The  root  of  the  white  lily  is  frequently  used  for 
poulticing. 

Linseed,  or  Flaxseed.  An  excellent  emollient  drink  is 
made  by  pouring  two  quarts  of  boiling  water  on  four  ounces 
of  linseed,  and  suffering  it  to  stand  in  a  warm  place  for  a  short 
time.  It  is  useful  in  cold,  catarrh,  and  in  diseases  of  the 
kidneys  or  bladder. 

Liquorice.  The  root,  dried  and  powdered,  is  used  for  the 
same  purpose  as  the  last  article. 

Lobe.     A  portion  of  the  lungs  and  liver  is  thus  named. 

Lockjaw.  This  disease  is  too  well  known  to  require  a 
particular  description.  It  is  evidently  a  disease  of  the  volun- 
tary nerves,  —  other  parts  becoming  sympathetically  affected, 
—  and  often  arises  from  a  wound  of  a  tendon,  or  nerve:  it 
occasionally  follows  nicking,  or  docking.  Mr.  Youatt  tells  us, 
"  This  is  one  of  the  most  fatal  diseases  to  which  the  horse  is 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  253 

subject."  For  the  information  of  our  readers,  we  will  detail 
the  treatment  recommended  by  the  above  author.  We  pre- 
sume that  every  man  of  common  sense  will  come  to  the  con- 
clusion that  the  disease  could  not  be  otherwise  than  fatal 
under  such  unwarrantable  barbarity.  We  have  no  personal 
disrespect  for  Mr.  Youatt  :  it  is  the  system  of  treatment 
recommended  by  him  that  we  war  against;  a  system  that  has 
killed  more  than  it  ever  cured.  Mr.  Youatt  observes,  "  The 
rational  method  of  cure  would  seem  to  be,  first  to  remove  the 
local  cause  j  but  this  will  seldom  avail  much.  The  irritation 
has  become  general,  and  the  spasmodic  action  constitutional. 
The  habit  is  formed,  and  will  continue.  It  will,  however,  be 
prudent  to  endeavor  to  discover  the  local  cause.  If  it  be  a 
wound  in  the  foot,  let  it  be  touched  with  the  hot  iron,  or 
caustic,  and  kept  open  with  digestive  ointment.  If  it  follows 
nicking,  let  the  incision  be  made  deeper,  and  stimulated  by 
digestive  ointment ;  and  if  it  arise  from  docking,  let  the  op- 
eration be  repeated  higher.*  In  treating  the  constitutional 
disease,  efforts  must  be  made  to  tranquillize  the  system  ;  and 
the  most  powerful  agent  is  bleeding.  [Yes,  most  power- 
ful to  kill.]  Twenty  pounds  of  blood  may  be  taken  away 
with  manifest  advantage.  There  is  not  a  more  powerful 
means  of  allaying  general    irritation ;    the  next  thing   is  to 

*  "  First,  to  remove  the  local  cause ;  but  this  will  seldom  avail  much." 
Then  why  torture  the  poor  brute  ?  We  need  not  trouble  ourselves  about 
the  particular  nerve  affected  to  enable  us  to  relieve  a  sympathytic  disease, 
when  we  have  a  medicine  —  lobelia  and  milkweed,  or  Indian  hemp  —  that 
will  relax  every  nerve  in  the  animal.  "  If  it  be  a  wound  in  the  foot,  let  it 
be  touched  with  the  hot  iron."  This  is  a  means  better  calculated  to  injure 
than  relieve.  We  should  apply,  at  once,  the  means  that  are  known  to  acton 
the  whole  nervous  structure.  "  If  it  follows  nicking-,  let  the  incision  be 
made  deeper ;  and  if  it  arise  from  docking,  let  the  operation  be  repeated 
higher."  What  beautiful  philosophy  this  is  !  —  make  one  disease,  to  cure 
another.  Is  it  strange  that  "  this  is  one  of  the  most  fatal  diseases  ?  "  Is  it 
not  a  wonder  that  any  live  ?  Must  not  their  escape  be  attributed  to  the  con- 
servative power  of  the  system,  in  spite  of  the  violence  done  ?  When  Mr. 
Youatt  recommends  cutting  the  tail  a  little  higher,  to  cure  a  disease  that 
was  produced  by  the  same  operation,  —  viz.,  docking,  —  he  puts  the  author 
in  mind  of  the  man  who  filed  the  edge  of  his  razor,  to  sharpen  it. 


254  DICTIONARY  OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

resort  to  physic.  Here,  again,  that  physic  is  best  which  is 
speediest  in  its  operation ;  the  Crotoh  nut  has  no  rival  in  this 
respect ;  the  first  dose  should  be  half  a  drachm,  and  the  med- 
icine repeated  every  six  hours,  in  doses  of  ten  grains,  until  it 
operates.*  The  bowels,  in  all  these  nervous  affections,  are 
very  torpid. 

"  Then,  as  it  is  a  diseased  action  of  the  nerves,  proceeding 
from  the  spinal  marrow,  the  whole  of  the  spine  should  be 
blistered  three  or  four  inches  .wide.  (See  Cantharides.) 
Having  bled  largely,  and  physicked,  and  blistered,  we  seek  for 
other  means  to  lull  the  irritation  ;  and  we  have  one  at  hand, 
small  in  bulk  and  potent  in  energy, — opium  (!)f  Give  at 
once  a  quarter  of  an  ounce,  and  an  additional  drachm  every 
six  hours." 

The  best  method  we  know  of  in  the  treatment  of  lockjaw, 
is,  first,  to  apply  a  poultice  to  the  foot,  (if  it  has  been  wound- 
ed,) consisting  of  about  six  ounces  of  lobelia,  four  ounces  of 
skunk  cabbage,  two  ounces  of  capsicum,  powdered  ;  mix  them 
with  a  suitable  quantity  of  meal  sufficient  for  two  poultices, 
which  should  be  renewed  every  twelve  hours.  After  the 
second  application,  examine  the  foot,  and  if  suppuration  has 
taken  place,  and  the  matter  can  be  felt,  or  seen,  a  small  punc- 
ture may  be  made,  taking  care  not  to  let  the  instrument  pene- 
trate beyond  the  bony  part  of  the  hoof.  Next  stimulate  the 
surface  to  action,  by  warmth  and  moisture,  as  follows :  take 

*  In  the  first  part  of  this  paragraph,  Mr.  Youatt  observes,  "  the  most  power- 
ful agent  to  tranquillize  the  system  is  bleeding."  So  say  the  butchers  when 
they  bleed  the  ox,  and  conduct  the  process  till  no  blood  remains. 

f  This  is  a  narcotic  vegetable  poison,  and  although  large  quantities  have 
been  occasionally  given  to  the  horse  without  apparent  injury,  experience  teach- 
es us  that  poisons  in  general —  notwithstanding  the  various  modes  of  their 
action,  and  the  difference  in  their  symptoms  —  all  agree  in  the  abstraction 
of  vitality  from  the  system.  Dr.  Eberle  says,  "  Opiates  never  fail  to  operate 
perniciously  on  the  whole  organization."  Dr.  Gallup  says,  "  The  practice  of 
using  opiates  to  mitigate  pain  is  greatly  to  be  deprecated.  It  is  probable 
that  opium  and  its  preparations  have  done  seven  times  the  injury  that  they 
have  rendered  benefit  on  the  great  scale  of  the  civilized  world.  Opium  is  the 
most  destructive  of  all  narcotics." 


DICTIONARY    OP    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  255 

about  two  quarts  of  vinegar,  into  which  stir  a  handful  of 
lobelia  ;  have  a  hot  brick  ready,  {the  animal  having  a  large 
cloth,  or  blanket,  thrown  around  him,)  pour  the  mixture  gradu- 
ally on  the  brick,  which  is  held  over  a  bucket  to  prevent 
waste  ;  the  steam  arising  will  relax  the  surface.  After  repeat- 
ing the  operation,  apply  the  following  mixture  around  the 
jaws,  back,  and  extremities  :  take,  of  cayenne,  skunk  cabbage, 
and  cypripedium,  (lady's  slipper,)  powdered,  of  each,  two 
ounces,  boiling  vinegar  two  quarts;  stir  the  mixture  until 
sufficiently  cool,  rub  the  mixture  well  in  with  a  coarse  sponge ; 
this  will  relax  the  jaws  a  trifle,  so  that  the  animal  can  manage 
to  suck  up  thin  gruel,  which  may  be  given  warm,  in  any 
quantity.  This  process  must  be  persevered  in ;  although  it 
may  not  succeed  in  every  case,  yet  it  will  be  more  satisfactory 
than  the  bloodletting  and  poisoning  system.  No  medicine  is 
necessary ;  the  gruel  will  soften  the  faeces  sufficiently  ;  if  the 
rectum  is  loaded  with  faeces,  give  injections  of  an  infusion  of 
lobelia. 

Lumbar  Muscles.  Muscles  of  the  loins  within  the  body, 
and  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys.  These  muscles  are  some- 
times injured  in  violent  exertions,  and  the  kidneys  often  par- 
ticipate in  the  injury.     (See  Strains.) 

Lungs,  or  Lights.  The  organ  of  respiration.  (See  Res- 
piration, part  first.) 

Luxation.  A  partial  displacement  of  the  bones  forming  a 
joint. 

Lymph.     (See  Blood.) 

Lymphatics.     (See  part  first.) 

M 

Maceration  implies  soaking  or  steeping  any  substance  in 
water,  or  other  fluids,  so  as  to  soften,  dissolve,  or  separate  it 
from  some  other  parts  with  which  it  is  combined. 

Mallenders.  A  scurfy  kind  of  eruption  on  the  back  part 
or  bend  of  the  knee  joint. 

Mange.     A  disease  which  manifests  itself  in  the  skin,  and 


256  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

causes  a  horse  to  be  perpetually  rubbing  himself.  Cattle, 
sheep,  and  dogs  are  also  subject  to  mange.  It  is  a  well- 
known  fact,  that  horses  are  very  apt  to  become  mangy,  if 
kept  long  in  the  stable  without  grooming  ;  yet  the  disease 
may  arise  from  causes  independent  of  a  neglected  skin,  though 
it  seldom  attacks  a  well-cleansed  animal.  Mr.  Percival  ob- 
serves, "  It  seems  that  mange  may  be  generated  either  from 
immediate  excitement  to  the  skin  itself,  or  through  the 
medium  of  that  sympathetic  influence  which  is  known  to 
exist  between  the  skin  and  the  organs  of  digestion.  We 
have,  it  appears  to  me,  an  excellent  illustration  of  this  in  the 
case  of  mange  supervening  upon  poverty  —  a  fact  too  notorious 
to  be  disputed,  though  there  may  be  different  ways  of  theo- 
rizing upon  it." 

Mr.  Blaine  says,  "  Mange  has  three  origins  —  filth,  debility, 
and  contagion." 

Owners  of  horses  must  bear  in  mind,  that  mange  can  be 
communicated  by  the  brush  or  comb  used  about  a  mangy 
subject ;  the  pustules  on  the  surface  contain  infectious  mat- 
ter. The  author  has  been  very  successful  in  the  treatment 
of  this  disease,  by  the  daily  use  of  the  alterative  powder  and 
mange  ointment.     (See  Appendix.) 

Marasmus.     A  decay  or  wasting  of  the  whole  body. 

Marshmallows.  A  plant  used  for  making  emollient  drinks 
and  fomentations. 

Mash.  A  mash  is  made  by  pouring  boiling  water  on  bran, 
or  shorts,  then  covering  the  buckets  until  sufficiently  cool  for 
use.  Mashes  are  excellent  for  sick  and  convalescent  horses, 
and  such  as  have  not  sufficient  exercise  to  keep  them  in 
health. 

Masseter.  The  name  of  a  muscle  of  the  cheek,  by  which 
mastication  is  performed. 

Mastication.     (See  part  first.) 

Materia  Medica.  A  catalogue  and  description  of  the 
various  articles  used  in  medicine. 

Maxilla.     The  jaw. 

Maxillary.     Belonging  to  the  jaw  ;  as  the  maxillary  arte- 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  257 

ries  and  glands.  The  glands  under  the  jaw  are  named  sub- 
maxillary glands. 

Mediastinum.  A  duplicature  of  the  membrane  named 
pleura,  by  which  the  cavity  of  the  chest  is  divided  into  two 
parts. 

Medicine.  Mr.  Clark,  veterinary  surgeon,  of  Edinburgh, 
says,  "Medicine  is  often  given  to  the  poor  brutes  unneces- 
sarily, and,  of  course,  mischievously.  If  a  man,  or  horse,  be 
in  a  state  of  health,  what  more  is  required,  or  how  can  they  be 
rendered  better  ?  Health  is  the  more  proper  state  of  the  ani- 
mal body,  and  it  is  not  in  the  poxoer  of  medicine  to  make  it 
better,  or  to  preserve  it  in  the  same  state" 

Dr.  White  says,  "  The  custom  of  giving  medicines  too 
frequently  is  a  bad  one ;  the  constitution  adapts  itself  to  it, 
which  circumstance  renders  medicine  inefficacious  when 
necessary,  or,  at  least,  it  greatly  reduces  the  effects." 

If  a  horse  is  in  health,  the  proper  way  to  promote  it  is  to 
proportion  the  food  to  the  labor. 

Dr.  White  continues,  "Medicines  are  given  to  the  horse 
under  the  title  of  alteratives.  These  alteratives  are  composed 
of  antimony,  mercury,  sulphur,  nitre,  aloes,  salts"  [generally 
altering  bad  for  xoorse.) 

Mr.  Clark  says,  "  that  sulphur  not  only  opens  the  body, 
but  the  skin  also,  and  therefore  should  be  used  with  cau- 
tion, as  horses  are  very  apt  to  catch  cold  on  too  liberal  a  use 
of  it." 

Salts  bring  on  great  sickness,  and  sometimes  violent  purg- 
ing, and,  instead  of  promoting  the  secretions,  occasion  great 
dryness  of  the  skin. 

"  Aloes  given  in  small  quantities,  by  way  of  alteratives, 
and  too  frequently  repeated,  weaken  the  stomach,  so  as  to 
bring  on  a  lax,  or  what  is  called  a  washy  habit  of  body. 

"  Antimony  should  always  be  rejected,  if  coarse  and  black, 
like  gunpowder."     (See  White's  Farriery,  p.  559.) 

The  above  author  says,  "It  is  amazing  what  different  kinds 
of  trash  is  forced  down  horses'  throats :  the  following  is  a 
striking  instance :  A  gentleman,  in  London,  was  greatly 
33 


258  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

prejudiced  in  favor  of  vinegar  as  a  cure  in  many  diseases. 
His  favorite  horse  was  taken  ill  in  very  warm  weather,  and 
as  he  thought  vinegar  was  a  cooling  article,  he  ordered  a  pint 
to  be  given  to  his  horse  at  once.  It  was  no  sooner  given  than 
the  horse  lay  down,  stretched  himself  out,  and  died." 

Medulla  Oblongata.  The  commencement  of  the  spinal 
marrow,  within  the  cranium. 

Membrane,  Mucous.  This  membrane  is  folded  into  all  the 
orifices  of  the  animal,  as  the  mouth,  eyes,  nose,  ears,  lungs, 
intestines,  bladder,  &c.  ;  in  fact,  into  every  cavity  that  has  a 
direct  communication  with  the  external  surface.  Its  structure 
of  arterial  capillaries,  venous  radicles,  nervous  projections, 
&c,  is  similar  to  the  skin,  and  is  considered  a  duplicate  of  the 
external  surface.  Its  most  extensive  surfaces  are  those  of  the 
lungs  and  intestines.  This  membrane  furnishes  from  the 
blood  a  fluid  called  mucus,  to  lubricate  its  own  surface,  and 
protect  it  from  the  action  of  materials  taken  into  the  system. 
The  skin  and  mucous  membrane  are  a  counterpart  of  each 
other.  If  the  action  of  the  skin  is  suppressed,  the  mucous 
membrane  performs  a  part  of  its  office ;  thus  a  cold,  which 
closes  the  pores  of  the  skin,  stops  perspiration,  which  is  now 
forced  through  the  membrane,  producing  discharges  at  the 
nose,  eyes,  &c. 

Serous  membrane.  Of  this  kind  are  the  pleura  and  perito- 
neum :  they  are  distributed  in  all  parts  of  the  system,  lining 
muscles,  tendons,  and  tendinous  sheaths,  the  ends  of  mova- 
ble bones,  &c.  ;  in  short,  wherever  there  is  need  of  the  pro- 
tection of  parts  against  friction.  They  secrete  from  the  blood 
a  fluid  called  serum,  for  the  purpose  of  affording  this  protec- 
tion. The  excessive  discharge  of  fluids  into  cavities  lined 
by  serous  membrane,  constitutes  the  different  forms  of  dropsy. 
There  are  other  membranes,  viz.,  adipose,  which  secrete  the 
fat  of  the  body ;  synovial,  which  secretes  synovia,  or  joint 
oil ;  and  cellular  membrane,  or  tissue,  is  the  common  connect- 
ing substance  of  most  parts  of  the  body. 

Mesentery.  A  thin  membrane  by  which  the  bowels  are 
held  together,  and  over  which  the  lacteals,  or  chyle  vessels, 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  259 

pass.  Besides  the  chyle  vessels,  there  are  considerable  veins 
and  arteries  passing  over  the  mesentery.  The  arteries  are 
distributed  to  the  bowels,  and  the  veins  terminate  in  the  vena 
porta,  or  great  vein  of  the  liver. 

Metacarpus.  The  metacarpus  of  the  horse  consists  of 
one  great  bone,  commonly  named  the  cannon,  shank  bone, 
or  fore  leg,  and  two  small  bones,  or  splent  bones,  attached  by 
ligaments  to  the  back  part  of  the  cannon  bone,  rather  towards 
the  sides.  The  suspensory  ligament  passes  down  on  the  back 
part  of  the  cannon  bone,  and  between  the  two  splents.  The 
flexor  tendons,  or  back  sinews,  pass  down  over  the  suspensory 
ligament.  When  the  bones  only  of  the  fore  leg  are  spoken 
of,  they  are  termed  metacarpus.  They  begin  at  the  knee, 
and  end  at  the  fetlock  joint. 

Metatarsus.  The  hind  leg,  between  the  hock  and  fet- 
lock joints. 

Metatarsal  Bones.  The  hind  cannon,  or  shank  bone, 
with  the  two  small  splent  bones  attached  to  it.  The  large 
blood-vessels  and  nerves,  in  this  situation,  are  also  named 
metatarsal. 

Miasmata.     Poisonous  effluvia. 

Midriff.     (See  Diaphragm.) 

Molares.     The  name  of  the  grinding  teeth. 

Molten  Grease.  A  name  which  Mr.  Blaine  has  given  to 
dysentery. 

Mortification.  A  part  deprived  of  vital  force,  by  causes 
inducing  a  loss  of  tone.  Bloodletting  and  poisons  of  all 
kinds  tend  to  diminish  vitality,  and,  of  course,  are  calculated 
to  produce  gangrene. 

Moulting.  Casting  the  coat.  In  spring  the  old  coat  is 
shed,  or  thrown  off,  and  the  horse  gradually  improves  in 
spirit,  and  in  appearance ;  but,  during  the  change,  he  is  more 
liable  to  take  cold.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  year,  the  coat 
becomes  longer  and  coarser,  and  loses  its  healthy  gloss ;  at 
the  same  time,  the  horse  often  becomes  weak,  sweats  readily 
upon  moderate  exercise,  and  is  often  incapable  of  performing 
his  usual  labor.     This  is  more  especially  the  case  with  horses 


260  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

that  have  been  hard  worked  and  badly  fed.  At  both  these 
periods  it  is  necessary  to  take  particular  care  of  horses,  and 
work  them  moderately.  A  horse,  when  moulting,  should  not 
be  exposed  in  the  stable  to  a  current  of  air,  but  kept  in  a 
ventilated  stable.     Warm  clothing  is  improper. 

Mucilage.  A  solution  of  gum,  or  any  thing  that  partakes 
of  the  nature  of  gum.  Gummy  or  mucilaginous  drinks  are 
useful  in  internal  disease  ;  the  cheapest  is  an  infusion  of  lin- 
seed or  marshmallows  ;  but  the  best,  perhaps,  is  a  solution  of 
gum  arabic. 

Mucous  Membranes.     (See  Membrane.) 

Mucous.  Many  of  the  secretions  of  the  body  are  of  a 
mucous  nature. 

Mucus.     A  fluid  secreted  by  mucous  surfaces. 

Muscle.  The  parts  that  are  usually  included  under  this 
name,  consist  of  distinct  portions  of  flesh,  susceptible  of  con- 
traction and  relaxation. 

Musk.  A  powerful  odorous  substance,  whose  medical  vir- 
tues are  chiefly  antispasmodic. 

Myrrh.  A  gum  resin  of  a  fragrant  smell  and  bitter  taste. 
It  is  given  internally,  as  a  tonic,  in  doses  of  one  or  two 
drachms.  Tincture  of  myrrh  is  sometimes  applied  to  wounds, 
ulcers,  and  sinuses. 


N 


Nag.  A  name  sometimes  applied  to  road  horses,  and  such 
as  have  been  docked,  in  contradistinction  to  those  that  have 
long  tails,  or  are  used  in  harness. 

Narcotics.  Medicines  which  stupefy,  relieve  pain,  and 
promote  sleep.  There  are,  however,  two  different  ways  to 
effect  these  objects,  and,  of  course,  two  different  characters  of 
remedies  to  be  used  for  the  purpose.  The  popular  method  is 
to  administer  opium,  whose  natural  tendency  is  to  depress  the 
vital  powers,  and  deprive  them  of  sensibility.  All  mixtures, 
in  any  form,   that  contain  opium,  though   soothing  for  the 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  261 

present,  are  ultimately  and  surely  pernicious.  The  true  plan 
is  to  give  antispasmodics.     (See  Antispasmodics.) 

Nares.     The  nostrils. 

Necrosis.  The  mortification  and  separation  of  a  portion 
of  dead  bone  from  the  other  parts  of  the  bone. 

Nephrotics.     Medicines  that  act  on  the  kidneys. 

Nerves.  We  have  already  observed  that  the  brain  consists 
of  two  portions :  one  large,  called  cerebrum,  and  one  small, 
called  cerebellum.  There  are  three  pairs,  or  columns,  of 
nervous  matter  proceeding  from  the  brain,  through  the  back 
bone,  or  spinal  column :  these  disperse  themselves  into 
branches  and  twigs,  and  are  distributed  over  the  system. 

By  a  great  number  and  variety  of  experiments  upon  living 
animals,  Dr.  Bell  and  others  have  proved  beyond  dispute,  that 
the  nerves  of  the  anterior  (towards  the  belly)  columns  are 
distributed  to  all  the  voluntary  muscles,  and  designed  to  pro- 
duce voluntary  motion ;  that  those  of  the  posterior,  or 
towards  the  back,  are  distributed  to  all  the  sensative  tissues, 
and  designed  to  convey  to  the  brain  all  the  impressions 
derived  from  the  presence  of  external  objects.  These  two 
arrangements  are  styled  the  nervous  system  of  external  rela- 
tion. By  similar  experiments  it  was  discovered  that  the  two 
lateral  or  side  columns  of  nervous  matter  are  distributed  to 
the  muscles  concerned  in  the  act  of  respiration. 

Lastly,  seated  principally  among  the  thoracic  and  ab- 
dominal viscera,  there  are  large  quantities  of  nervous  matter, 
having  only  slight  connection  with  the  sensative  and  mo- 
tive nerves.  This  system  has  many  knotty  appearances,  from 
the  union  and  distribution  of  its  fibres ;  these  are  again  dis- 
tributed to  different  parts.  These  are  called  plexuses,  and  the 
whole  structure  is  called  the  sympathetic  nerve.  It  is  some- 
times named  the  nerves  of  nutrition. 

Dr.  Curtis  observes,  "  It  has  long  been  a  subject  of  inquiry 
what  is  the  modus  operandi  of  nervous  action.  Some  have 
supposed  that  the  nerves  are  solid  cords  that  vibrate,  like  the 
strings  of  musical  instruments;  others,  that  they  are  sheaths 
containing  a  subtile  fluid,  that  darts  through  them  as  electricity 


262  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

does  through  metallic  wires ;  others  suppose  that  the  motion 
is  that  of  electricity  itself.  My  own  opinion  is,  that  it  is 
based  on  the  principle  of  elasticity.  It  is  well  known  that, 
if  any  number  of  ivory  balls  be  suspended  in  contact,  and  in 
a  direct  horizontal  line,  and  a  blow  be  struck  on  the  first  in 
the  direction  of  all  the  rest,  all  remain  at  rest  except  so  many 
at  the  other  end  as  exactly  equal  the  momentum  of  the  blow. 
These  fly  off  from  the  rest.  If  the  blow  be  equal  to  one 
ball,  only  one  ball  flies  off.  Now  it  would  be  the  same  if  the 
balls  were  confined  in  a  tube,  were  the  tube  ever  so  crooked, 
as  is  proved  by  the  hydrostatic  balance  of  fluids  in  crooked 
water-pipes.  I  believe  that  the  nerves  are  sheaths  filled  with 
extremely  elastic  globules  of  matter,  and  the  impressions,  or 
momenta,  communicated  to  one  end  are  transferred  to  the 
other,  not  by  the  locomotion  of  the  whole  globule,  but  by 
the  elastic  spring  of  its  centre.  If  the  impression  be  made  on 
any  of  the  intermediate  globules,  the  result  is  the  same.  It 
is  remarkable  that  in  whatever  part  of  a  nerve  the  impression 
is  made,  the  effect  produced  is  referred  to  the  extremity." 
(See  Distribution  of  Nerves,  part  first.) 

Nerving,  Nerve  Operation.  It  consists  of  cutting  out  a 
portion  of  the  nerve  which  supplies  the  foot,  either  just  above 
the  fetlock  joint,  which  is  named  the  high  operation,  or  in 
the  pastern,  which  is  called  the  low  operation.  In  the  former 
the  sensibility  of  the  foot  is  supposed  to  be  entirely  destroyed, 
and  in  the  latter  only  partly  so.  Dr.  White  observes,  serious 
mischief,  such  as  the  loss  of  the  hoof,  has  sometimes  followed 
the  higher  nerve  operation. 

"  After  the  division  of  a  nerve,  the  extremities  of  the  divid- 
ed portion  retract,  become  enlarged  and  more  vascular  ;  but 
especially  the  upper  portion ;  and  coagulable  lymph  is  effused, 
which  soon  becomes  vascular.  In  a  few  days  the  coag- 
ulable lymph  from  each  portion  becomes  united,  and  anasto- 
mosis forms  between  the  blood-vessels  j  the  lymph  gradually 
assumes  a  firmer  texture,  and  the  number  of  the  blood-vessels 
diminishes,  and  the  newly-formed  substance  appears  to  con- 
tract, like  all  other  cicatrices,  so  as  to  bring  the  extremities 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  263 

of  the  divided  portions  nearer  and  nearer  to  each  other.  It 
is  difficult  to  determine,  from  an  experiment  on  the  limb  of  an 
animal,  the  exact  time  at  which  the  nerve  again  performs  its 
functions  after  being  divided.  In  eight  weeks  after  the  divis- 
ion of  the  sciatic  nerve,  I  have  observed  a  rabbit  to  be  in  some 
degree  improved  in  the  use  of  its  leg ;  but  at  the  end  of 
eighteen  weeks  it  was  not  perfect.  When  the  nerves  of  the 
leg  of  a  horse  are  divided  just  above  the  foot,  they  are  suffi- 
ciently restored  to  perform  their  functions,  in  some  degree,  in 
six  or  eight  weeks  ;  but  it  must  be  observed  that  these  nerves 
are  only  formed  for  sensation,  and  it  is  very  different  with 
the  nerves  of  nutrition,  voluntary  motion,  &c. ;  the  reunion  is 
sometimes  accomplished  by  granulations.  Secondly,  I  would 
observe,  that  punctures  and  partial  divisions  of  nerves  heal  in 
the  same  way  as  when  there  has  been  a  total  division  j  and 
that,  even  on  the  first  infliction  of  the  wounds,  the  function 
of  the  nerves  is  very  little  impaired."  (See  Swan's  work 
on  morbid  local  affections.) 

Mr.  Sewell  finds,  "that  in  cases  of  entire  section  of  a 
nerve,  sensation  returns  in  about  two  months  ;  but  in  others, 
in  which  a  portion  of  nerve  has  been  excised,  that  the  period 
of  restoring  feeling  can  by  no  means  be  foretold  :  in  one  of 
his  own  horses,  he  ascertained  that  there  was  no  sensibility  in 
the  foot,  even  at  the  expiration  of  three  years ;  and  in  some 
others,  after  a  longer  interval,  the  organ  appeared  to  be 
wholly  destitute  of  feeling.5' 

Nicking.  An  operation  often  performed  on  horses,  to  raise 
the  tail,  and  make  them  carry  it  more  gracefully,  or  rather  to 
suit  the  taste  of  man. 

Nippers.  The  two  front  teeth,  above  and  below,  have 
been  thus  named. 

Nitre.  An  indirect  diuretic.  It  causes  a  large  secretion 
of  urine,  but  does  not  provide  for  the  excretion.  The  author 
has  in  his  possession  the  bladder  of  a  horse,  the  muscular 
fibres  of  which  are  lacerated,  in  consequence  of  over  distention 
of  that  organ  from  the  use  of  nitre.  Dr.  White  remarks,  "  I 
have  seen  a  dpse  of  four  ounces    given,  which  occasioned 


264  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

alarming  symptoms,  and  appeared  to  have  a  poisonous 
effect." 

Nostrils.  The^  nostrils  are  sometimes  diseased,  as  in 
glanders. 

Nutrition.     (See  part  first.) 

o 

Oats.  According  to  Sir  H.  Davy's  analysis,  oats  contain 
742  parts  of  nutritive  matter  out  of  1000,  which  is  composed 
of  641  mucilage,  or  starch,  15  saccharine  matter,  and  87 
gluten,  or  albumen.     New  oats  are  difficult  of  digestion. 

Oblique  Muscles.  The  muscles  of  the  abdomen,  or  belly, 
are  thus  named.  There  are  four  of  them  :  two  external  and 
two  internal.  Some  of  the  muscles  of  the  eye  are  also  named 
oblique  muscles. 

Occiput.     The  back  part  of  the  head. 

(Edema.     A  watery  or  dropsical  swelling. 

(Esophagus.  The  tube  passing  from  the  mouth  to  the 
stomach. 

Ointments.  Unctuous  substances  of  the  consistence  of 
butter ;  when  made  considerably  thinner  by  the  addition  of 
oil,  they  are  termed  liniments ;  but  when  their  solidity  is  in- 
creased by  wax,  rosin,  &c,  they  are  termed  plasters. 

Olecranon.  The  head  of  the  bone  named  ulnar,  (see  cut,) 
in  the  horse  ;  it  affords  a  powerful  lever  for  the  triceps  exten- 
sor cubiti  muscle  to  act  upon,  in  straightening  the  fore  arm 
upon  the  humerus.     (See  Skeleton.) 

Olfactory  Nerves  are  spread  over  all  the  interior  of  the 
nostril,  and  constitute  the  sense  of  smell. 

Omentum.  The  omentum,  or  caul,  is  a  double  membrane, 
containing  within  its  folds  a  considerable  quantity  of  fat,  in 
the  human  body  and  many  animals.  But  in  the  horse  this 
is  never  seen  ;  nor  does  the  omentum  contain  much  fat ;  what 
there  is  lies  in  the  region  of  the  stomach. 

Opacity.  A  want  of  transparency  in  those  parts  of  the 
eye  named  pupil,  or  cornea. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  265 

Opiates.     (See  Narcotic.) 

Opium.  A  narcotic  vegetable  poison.  Mr.  Coleman 
"thought,  from  some  experiments  made  at  the  veterinary 
college,  that  opium  has  no  apparent  influence  over  the  ner- 
vous system  of  the  horse,  and  that  it  does  not  alleviate  pain." 
Dr.  White  says,  "  I  think  that  opium,  as  to  its  effect  on  the 
horse,  does  not  possess  that  soothing  anodyne,  and  soporific 
quality,  for  which  it  is  justly  distinguished  in  human  medi- 
cine." Opium  always  tends  to  depress  the  vital  organs  in 
proportion  to  its  quantity. 

Opodeldoc,  or  Soap  Liniment.  A  solution  of  soap  and 
camphor  in  spirits  of  rosemary. 

Optic  Nerve.     The  nerve  on  which  sight  depends. 

Orbit.     The  socket  of  the  eye  is  thus  named. 

Organic.  A  disease  is  said  to  be  organic  when  any  par- 
ticular organ  of  the  body  is  affected. 

Ossification.  Ligaments  and  cartilages  sometimes  become 
bony,  especially  those  ligaments  which  unite  the  splent  to  the 
cannon  bones,  and  the  lateral  cartilages  of  the  foot. 

Ovaries.  Two  appendages  to  the  womb,  or  uterus,  which 
are  cut  out  in  the  operation  of  spaying. 

Overreach.  A  horse  is  said  to  overreach,  or  overlash, 
when  he  wounds  the  fore  heel  with  the  hind  foot. 

Overwork.  Many  of  the  diseases  of  horses  originate  in 
overwork. 


Pace.  The  peculiar  manner  of  motion,  or  progression. 
The  natural  paces  of  the  horse  are,  the  walk,  trot,  and  gallop, 
to  which  some  add  the  amble. 

Palate.     The  upper  part  or  roof  of  the  mouth. 

Palliative.  Medicines  and  operations  by  which  diseases 
appear  to  be  relieved,  but  not  cured.  However  desirable 
palliatives  may  be  in  the  diseases  of  the  human  body,  they 
are  seldom  satisfactory  in  the  diseases  and  lameness  of  horses. 

Palpitation.  Beating  of  the  heart  against  the  breast 
bone,  or  ribs. 

34 


26G  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Palsy,  or  Paralysis.  A  loss  of  muscular  power,  or  an 
inability  to  move  any  part  of  the  body. 

Pancreas,  or  Sweetbread.  A  glandular  substance  situ- 
ated in  the  abdomen,  near  the  stomach.  It  secretes  the  pan- 
creatic juice.     (See  Nutrition,  part  first.) 

Pannicle,  or  Fleshy  Pannicle.  A  thin  muscular  cover- 
ing attached  to  the  skin  of  brute  animals,  by  means  of  which 
they  are  enabled  to  shake  it,  and  get  rid  of  flees,  &c. 

Panton  Shoe.  A  contrivance  for  expanding  contracted 
feet ;  but  like  all  other  mechanical  contrivances,  they  are  use- 
less or  pernicious. 

Paps.  When  young  horses  are  cutting  their  teeth,  and 
sometimes  after  that  period,  the  excretory  ducts  of  some  of 
the  salivary  glands  under  the  tongue  become  enlarged.  These 
are  named  paps.  They  should  be  touched  with  a  solution 
of  alum,  and  the  animal  fed  on  mashes.     (See  Mash.) 

Papillary.  Pap-like  ;  or  rather  like  small  or  minute  paps. 
A  term  applied  to  small  elevations  on  different  parts  of  the 
body,  whether  morbid  or  natural.  Those  little  eminences  on 
the  internal  surface  of  the  leaves  or  laminae  of  the  cow's 
third  stomach,  or  manyplus,  are  termed  papillary. 

Par  Vagum.     The  eighth  pair  of  nerves  are  thus  named. 

Paracentesis.  The  operation  of  tapping,  for  the  purpose 
of  giving  vent  to  water  collected  in  the  chest,  abdomen,  &c. 
It  has  frequently  been  performed  on  animals  without  any 
benefit. 

Parietal.  The  bones  that  form  the  sides  of  the  skull  are 
thus  named. 

Paring.  Cutting  the  hoof,  in  order  to  prepare  it  for  the 
shoe.     (See  Shoeing.) 

Parotid  Glands.  Two  large  glands  situated  under  the 
ears ;  they  secrete  saliva,  which  is  conveyed  by  a  duct  into 
the  mouth. 

Paroxysm.  The  periodical  accession,  or  the  periodical  in- 
crease, of  a  disorder. 

Parturition.     The  act  of  bringing  forth  young. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART  267 

Pastern.  The  part  between  the  fetlock  joint  and  the 
hoof.     (See  cut  of  the  foot,  part  first.) 

Pastern  Nerve.  The  nerve  from  which  a  portion  is  cut 
out  in  the  operation  of  nerving. 

Pasture.  Pastures  in  elevated  situations  are  the  best  for 
horses. 

Patella.  The  knee-pan  of  the  human  body,  and  the 
stifle  of  the  horse.     (See  Skeleton.) 

Pathology.    The  doctrine  of  diseases. 

Paunch.  The  common  name  for  the  first  stomach  of  the 
cow. 

Pectorals.  Medicines  that  relieve  cough,  and  other  dis- 
eases of  the  lungs. 

Pectoral  Muscles.     The  muscles  of  the  breast. 

Pelvis.  The  basin,  or  that  cavity  wherein  is  lodged  the 
bladder,  uterus,  and  the  rectum. 

Penis.     The  yard  or  male  genital  organs. 

Perforans  Tendon.  The  innermost  of  the  back  sinews, 
or  that  which  goes  to  the  back  sinews. 

Pericardium.     The  heart  bag.     (See  Heart,  part  first.) 

Pericranium.  The  membrane  that  is  closely  connected 
with  the  bones  of  the  head. 

Periosteum.     The  investing  membrane  of  the  bones. 

Peristaltic  Motion.  That  motion  of  the  muscular  coat 
of  the  bowels,  which  causes  the  food  and  excrement  to  pass 
through  them. 

Peritoneum.  The  membrane  which  forms  the  external 
coat  of  the  bowels,  and  some  other  of  the  viscera  of  the 
abdomen ;  it  is,  therefore,  named  the  peritoneal  coat  of  the 
bowels.     It  lines,  also,  the  internal  surface  of  the  belly. 

Peritonitis.  Inflammation  of  the  peritoneum.  Diseases 
of  the  peritoneum  are  very  rare  in  horses  ;  and  when  treated 
on  the  depleting,  antiphlogistic  principles  of  allopathy,  gen- 
erally terminate  fatally.  When  the  physiological  equilibrium 
is  interrupted,  and  inflammation  of  the  peritoneum  ensues, 
the  available  vital  force  is  concentrated  upon  a  small  region 
of  the  body.     The   true   indication  is,   to   invite  this  force 


268  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

away  from  that  region,  and  to  distribute  it  over  the  general 
system,  that  it  will  not  be  excessive  any  where.  This  mode 
of  relief  we  call  equalizing  the  circulation:  the  allopaths 
term  it  counter-irritation  ;  they  concentrate  it  in  one  spot,  in 
the  form  of  rowel  and  blister,  their  own  works  will  show 
with  what  success.*  Our  principles  teach  us  to  accomplish 
the  object  by  the  stimulating  influence  of  medicated  vapor, 
enemas,  nervines,  and  a  mucilaginous  diet.  Whenever  the 
disease  is  treated  by  the  abstraction  of  blood,  it  generally 
terminates  in  dropsy. 

Perspiration.  The  fluid  which  is  secreted  by  the  vessels 
of  the  skin.  Perspiration  is  a  highly  important  discharge  in 
horses  and  other  animals.  The  best  medicine  to  "promote 
sweating  in  the  horse,  is  a  tea  composed  of  lobelia,  capsicum, 
and  pennyroyal. 

Pharynx.     The  upper  part  of  the  oesophagus,  or  gullet. 

Phlegm.     A  mucous  liquid  thrown  up  from  the  lungs. 

Phrenic  Nerve.  A  nerve  that  passes  through  the  thorax, 
over  the  heart,  to  the  diaphragm. 

Phrenitis.     Inflammation  of  the  brain. 

*  Mr.  Percival  details  a  case  of  peritonitis,  after  the  usual  symptoms  in 
the  early  stage  had  subsided.  "  The  horse's  bowels  became  much  relaxed  : 
suspecting  that  there  was  some  disorder  in  the  alimentary  canal,  and  that 
this  was  an  effort  of  nature  to  get  rid  of  it,  I  promoted  the  diarrhcea  by  giv- 
ing mild  doses  of  cathartic  medicine,  in  combination  with  calomel ! "  Nature 
did  not  require  such  assistance :  warm  drinks,  composed  of  marshmallows, 
or  slippery  elm,  would  have  been  just  the  thing. 

"  On  the  third  day  from  this,  prolapsus  ani  (falling  of  the  fundament)  made 
its  appearance.  After  the  return  of  the  gut,  the  animal  grew  daily  duller, 
and  more  dejected,  manifesting  evident  signs  of  considerable  inward  disor- 
der, though  he  showed  none  of  acute  pain  ;  the  diarrhcea  continued  ;  swelling 
of  the  belly  and  tumefaction  of  the  legs  speedily  followed  :  eight  pounds, 
of  blood  were  drawn,  and  two  ounces  of  oil  of  turpentine  were  given  inter- 
nally, and  in  spite  of  another  bleeding,  and  some  subordinate  measures, 
carried  him  off  [the  treatment  we  presume]  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours. 

"  Dissection  :  a  slight  blush  pervaded  the  peritoneum ;  at  least  the  parie- 
tel  portion  of  it,  for  the  coats  of  the  stomach  and  intestines  preserved  their 
natural  whiteness.  About  eight  gallons  of  water  were  measured  out  of  the 
belly.  The  abdominal  viscera,  as  well  as  the  thoracic,  showed  no  marks  of 
disease  " 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  269 

Physic.  In  stable  language,  the  term  is  applied  to  purga- 
tive medicines. 

Physiology.  That  branch  of  medical  science  which  de- 
scribes the  functions  of  every  part  of  the  body. 

Pia  Mater.  A  delicate  membrane,  that  closely  invests  the 
brain. 

Pitch,  Burgundy.  A  resin  obtained  from  fir ;  it  is  used  in 
the  composition  of  plasters  and  charges. 

Placenta.     The  afterbirth. 

Plate  Vein.  A  large  vein  that  runs  from  the  inside  of  the 
fore  leg  to  the  chest. 

Plethora.  A  fulness  of  vessels.  Horses  are  often  brought 
into  this  state  from  overfeeding,  and  want  of  sufficient  exer- 
cise. It  is  known  by  heaviness,  dulness,  unwillingness  to 
work.  The  urine  is  high  colored,  and  the  dung  generally 
hard  and  slimy.  The  cure  consists  in  the  reduction  of  the 
quantity  of  food,  warm  mashes,  and  regular  exercise. 

Pleura.  The  membrane  which  covers  the  lungs  so  closely 
as  to  appear  a  part  of  their  substance. 

Pleurisy,  Pleuritis.     Inflammation  of  the  pleura. 

Plexus.     A  network  of  blood-vessels  or  nerves. 

Pneumonia.     A  general  term  for  inflammation  of  the  lungs. 

Poisons.  Articles  which  impede  or  destroy  the  vital  oper- 
ations. Some  people  proclaim  that  all  food  is  poison  ;  that 
the  difference  in  the  effect  produced  lies  in  the  quantity  given. 
We  deny  this :  good  corn,  oats,  and  hay,  whose  nature  is  to 
nourish  and  support  the  animal,  can  never  be  a  legitimate 
cause  of  disease.  Its  excess  in  quantity,  and  its  chemical 
decomposition  for  want  of  digestive  power,  are  all  of  true 
food  that  can  prove  injurious.  On  the  other  hand,  experience 
teaches  us  that  opium,  arsenic,  corrosive  sublimate,  tobacco, 
and  calomel  are  inimical  to  the  animal  organization,  and  will 
never  change  their  chemical  equivalents.  A  grain  of  arsenic 
will  always  be  a  grain  of  that  poison,  and  can  be  detected 
after  death  :  the  same  applies  to  opium.  A  very  few  grains 
of  opium  injected  into  the  carotid  artery  of  a  dog,  killed  him 
in  four  minutes ;  when  the  same  quantity  was  injected  into  a 


270  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

vein,  the  animal  lived  twenty-five  minutes.     When  injected 
into  the  bladder,  it  required  a  larger  quantity  to  destroy  life. 

Again  :  one  drop  of  the  oil  of  tobacco  applied  on  the 
tongue  of  a  rabbit  killed  him  instantly ;  one  drop  applied  to 
the  same  organ  of  a  cat,  threw  her  into  convulsions  ;  two 
drops  placed  on  the  tongue  of  a  squirrel  killed  it  instantly. 
Hence  it  does  not  require  much  penetration  in  order  to 
decide  what  is,  and  what  is  not,  poison.  Animals  often  get, 
apparently,  well,  although  large  quantities  of  the  above 
poisons  have  been  given.  This  is  no  proof  that  the  poisons 
cured  them.  In  the  early  stage  of  disease,  the  constitution 
can  bear  more  violence — bloodletting  and  poisoning  —  than 
when  it  becomes  debilitated.  This  explains  the  reason  why 
large  quantities  of  opium  may  be  given  to  a  horse  at  a  certain 
time,  without  any  perceptible  effect ;  at  another  time,  one  half 
the  quantity  will  destroy  him. 

Poll-Evil.  An  obstinate  disease,  which  often  happens  to 
horses.  It  generally  proceeds  from  a  blow  received  upon  the 
poll  or  back  part  of  the  head.     (See  Appendix.) 

Porta.     The  name  of  the  great  vein  of  the  liver. 

Poultice,  or  Cataplasm.  The  emollient  poultice  may  be 
composed  of  equal  parts  of  slippery  elm  and  flaxseed.  The 
intentions  to  be  answered  by  poultices  are  relaxation  and 
stimulation.  To  relax  a  part,  add  to  the  above  emollient 
lobelia ;  when  it  is  necessary  to  stimulate,  use  cayenne. 
Poultices  that  are  designed  for  foul  ulcers,  in  addition  to  the 
above  articles,  should  contain  at  least  one  third  powdered  char- 
coal.    (See  Appendix.) 

Prevention  of  Disease.  It  is  an  old,  but  true,  saying, 
that  prevention  is  better  than  cure  ;  and  we  may  safely  add, 
less  expensive. 

Pricks,  or  Pricking.  In  shoeing  a  horse,  the  nail  is  some- 
times driven  in  a  wrong  direction,  and  the  sensible  parts  are 
wounded  :  he  is  then  said  to  be  pricked.  When  a  horse  has 
been  slightly  pricked,  and  the  nail  immediately  withdrawn,  it 
may  not  be  followed  by  lameness  ;  but  when  the  wound  is 
considerable,  matter  will  form :  if  the  matter  is  not  let  out  by 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  271 

paring  away  the  horn,  it  quickly  spreads  under  the  horny  sole, 
and  upwards  through  the  laminated  substance  of  the  foot,  and 
breaks  out  at  the  coronet.  (See  Coronet.)  To  prevent  this, 
the  parts,  as  soon  as  the  accident  has  happened,  should  be 
bathed  with  healing  balsam.  If  the  horse  goes  lame  for  sev- 
eral days,  a  poultice  must  be  applied  to  promote  suppuration. 

Prim^:  ViiE.  The  first  passages,  or  stomach,  and  first  intes- 
tines. 

Probang.  An  instrument  for  removing  any  obstruction  in 
the  oesophagus  or  gullet.  It  consists  of  a  rather  flexible  rod, 
covered  with  leather,  with  a  round,  smooth  nob  at  one  end. 

Probe.     An  instrument  for  examining  wounds. 

Prolapsus.  The  falling  down  of  a  part,  as  of  the  uterus 
or  fundament. 

Psoas  Muscles.  The  muscles  that  lie  under  the  loins. 
These  muscles  are  sometimes  injured  in  strains  of  the  loins. 

Pulmonary  Diseases.     Diseases  of  the  lungs. 

Pulmonary  Vessels.  The  blood-vessels  and  air-vessels  of 
the  lungs,  which  consist  of  the  pulmonary  artery  and  vein, 
and  the  bronchia,  or  branches  of  the  windpipe. 

Pulse.  The  beating  of  the  arteries.  The  horse's  pulse  is 
most  conveniently  felt  in  that  part  of  the  carotid  artery  which 
passes  under  the  angle  of  the  lower  jaw. 

Puncta  Lachrymalia.  Two  orifices  near  the  inner  corner 
of  the  eye,  through  which  the  tears  pass. 

Pupil.     The  apple  of  the  eye. 

Pus.    The  white  matter  formed  by  the  process  of  suppuration. 

Pylorus.     The  inferior  portion  of  the  stomach. 

Q 

Quarter  III,  or  Quarter  Evil.  There  is  a  variety  of 
names  given  to  this  disorder,  such  as  joint  murrain,  or  garget, 
black  quarter,  quarter  evil,  black  leg,  blaine  in  the  tongue. 
The  causes  of  this  disease  are  generally  too  liberal  an  allow- 
ance of  food;  or  a  sudden  transition  from  poor  keep  to  lux- 
urious and  nutritious  diet.     In  some  cases  the  energy  of  the 


272  DICTIONARY     OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

body  is  lessened  by  exposure  to  cold  and  wet ;  hence  the  quarters 
and  feet  swell,  and  it  is  this  circumstance  which  has  given  rise 
to  the  name  by  which  the  disorder  is  commonly  known.  The 
approach  of  this  complaint  is  generally  indicated  by  the  ani- 
mal separating  himself  from  his  companions  ;  by  his  appear- 
ing dull,  listless,  and  heavy,  and  by  his  refusing  food.  The 
more  immediate  symptoms  are  lameness,  and  swelling  of  the 
hind  quarters,  and  occasionally  of  the  shoulders  or  back. 
These  swellings,  when  pressed,  make  a  crackling  noise.  (See 
Emphysema.)  The  mouth  and  tongue  are  frequently  found 
blistered  in  this  disease.  A  spare  diet,  and  keeping  the  animal 
in  a  dry  barn,  are  strictly  to  be  attended  to,  with  an  occasional 
dose  of  Distemper  Powder,  (see  Appendix)  and  clysters  of  thin 
gruel  and  common  salt.  By  this  means  the  disease  may  be 
subdued.  If  the  disease  first  appears  in  the  foot,  a  charcoal 
poultice  must  be  applied. 

R 

Rack  Bones.     The  vertebras  of  the  back. 

Radius.     The  bone  of  the  forearm. 

Raking.     (See  Back  Raking.) 

Rectum.     (See  Intestines.) 

Red-Water.  This  disease  often  attacks  cows,  and  is 
named  from  the  red  appearance  of  the  urine.  The  following 
article,  written  for  the  Albany  Cultivator,  will  give  the  reader 
our  views  of  the  malady.  The  name  is  given  to  it  from  the 
appearance  of  the  urine,  being  only  a  symptom  of  general 
derangement.  "  The  ounce  of  nitre,"  recommended  in  the 
article  alluded  to,  "  would  act  as  an  indirect  diuretic,  and  make 
the  powerful  animal  weak  ;  it  might,  also,  change  the  appear- 
ance of  the  urine  :  at  best,  it  would  only  be  treating  symp- 
toms, and  could  not  possibly  contribute  any  thing  towards 
the  cure.  The  observing  man  will  recognize  a  derangement 
of  all  the  functions,  a  vitiation  of  every  secretion,  and  a  loss 
of  vital  power.  We  lay  it  down  as  a  fundamental  principle, 
that  those  who  treat  symptoms  alone  never  cure  disease,  for 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  273 

the  animal  often  dies  a  victim  to  the  treatment  instead  of  the 
malady. 

11  This  form  of  disease  is  considered  to  be  epidemic  ;  yet  all 
animals  are  not  likely  to  be  attacked,  although  exposed  to  the 
same  atmospheric  influence  ;  for  if  there  is  a  perfect  physio- 
logical equilibrium  between  the  solids  and  fluids,  the  nervous 
system,  and  the  circulation,  then  the  animal  is  safe.  The 
indications  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  treatment  of  the  disease,  are  to 
excite  the  liver  and  intestines  to  action,  which  are  in  a  tor- 
pid state  ;  next,  to  change  morbid  action  ;  and  lastly,  to  tone 
up  and  invigorate  the  whole  system.  There  is  every  reason 
to  believe  that  this  malady  will  yield  just  as  readily  as  any 
other  to  the  proper  remedial  agents.  Your  correspondent  quotes 
from  a  work  published  in  this  city,  that  '  red-water  is  most 
common  in  cows  of  weak  constitution,  a  general  relaxation, 
poor  blood,  &c,  that  the  urine  is  brown  and  tinged  with 
yellow.'  " 

This  shows  that  the  system  abounds  in  morbific  matter,  and 
Nature  is  making  an  effort  to  rid  herself  of  it,  and  will  do  so 
unless  you  interfere  by  using  remedies  opposed  to  the  vital 
principle.  Many  of  the  drugs  used  to  cure  red-water  would 
kill  a  well  animal,  whatever  they  might  do  the  diseased.  "  In 
a  few  days  a  natural  diarrhoea  comes  on,  and  the  animal  is 
better."  This  is  the  manner  in  which  nature  attempts  to 
cure  :  the  diarrhoea  carries  off  a  large  amount  of  morbific  fluid, 
which  could  not  remain  in  the  system  without  producing  seri- 
ous consequences.  "  After  the  diarrhoea,  the  animal  often  gets 
well."  Here  Nature  speaks  in  a  language  too  plain  to  be  mis- 
understood ;  we  must  open  the  sluices  of  the  body.  One 
pint  of  linseed  oil  should  be  given,  and  its  operation  assisted 
in  a  few  hours  with  injections  of  warm  soap-suds,  each  in- 
jection containing  a  spoonful  of  powdered  ginger ;  after  the 
bowels  are  evacuated,  the  Distemper  Powder — sold  by  Messrs. 
Stimpson  &  Reed,  26  Merchants  Row,  Boston — is  the  only 
article  we  use  in  this  form  of  disease.  The  animal  should 
be  allowed  a  drink  composed  of  boneset  and  pennyroyal,  one 
ounce  of  the  former  to  two  of  the  latter,  infused  in  half  a 
35 


274  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

bucket  of  boiling  water.  The  diet  should  be  light  and  nour- 
ishing, as  gruel,  mashes,  &c. 

Respiration.  The  act  of  breathing  ;  which  includes  in- 
spiration, or  the  taking  in  of  air  by  the  lungs,  and  expiration, 
or  the  act  of  discharging  it. 

Ringbone.  A  bony  excrescence  on  the  lower  part  of  the 
pastern,  generally,  but  not  always,  causing  lameness. 

Roaring.  A  disease  which  takes  its  name  from  the  wheez- 
ing noise  the  horse  makes  in  breathing,  when  put  into  quick 
motion.  It  is  supposed  by  most  veterinary  writers  to  be 
caused  by  an  eifusion  of  lymph  in  the  windpipe.  Our  own 
view  of  the  subject  is,  that  it  is  owing  to  a  contraction  of 
the  bronchial  tubes. 

Rosemary.  The  essential  oil  of  this  shrub  is  a  useful  in- 
gredient in  stimulating  liniments. 

Rot.  A  disease  of  sheep,  resembling  pulmonary  consump- 
tion, complicated  with  dropsy.  Its  causes  are  flooded  lands 
and  unsubstantial  food. 

Rowels.  These  are  considered  as  artificial  abscesses,  or 
drains.  They  act  on  the  principle  of  making  one  disease 
cure  another  —  a  principle  that  will  not  stand  the  test  of  com- 
mon sense. 

Rumination.     Chewing  the  cud. 

Rupture.  A  swelling  caused  by  the  protrusion  of  some 
parts  of  the  bowels  out  of  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen,  into 
a  kind  of  sac,  formed  by  that  portion  of  the  peritoneum 
(which  see)  which  is  pushed  before  it. 


s 

Sacrum.  That  part  of  the  back  bone  from  which  the  tail 
proceeds. 

Saliva.     Spittle. 

Salivation.     A  profuse  and  continued  flow  of  saliva. 

Sand  Crack.  A  perpendicular  crack  on  the  side  or  quar- 
ter of  the  hoof. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  275 

Sanies.  A  bloody,  or  greenish  matter,  which  is  sometimes 
discharged  from  foul  ulcers. 

Sarsaparilla.  An  infusion  of  equal  parts  of  sarsaparilla 
and  sassafras  is  useful  for  animals  when  the  blood  is  loaded 
with  morbific  agents. 

Scapula.     The  shoulder  blade. 

Scarf  Skin.     (See  Cuticle.) 

Scarification.     An  incision  of  the  skin  with  a  lancet. 

Scirrhus.     An  indolent,  hard  tumor. 

Sclerotic  Coat.     (See  Eye.) 

Scouring.  A  scouring,  or  purging,  is  common  among  all 
our  domestic  animals.  It  is  not  a  disease,  but  only  a  symp- 
tom of  a  loss  of  equilibrium,  which  may  proceed  from  im- 
proper food,  exposure  to  the  cold  and  rain,  which  of  course 
includes  a  loss  of  caloric,  or  heat.  There  is  no  general  rem- 
edy, or  one  more  speedy  and  effectual  in  the  onset,  than  mu- 
cilaginous drinks  composed  of  slippery  elm,  combined  with 
injections  of  the  same.  Warmth  and  moisture  to  the  surface, 
and  antispasmodics,  (which  see,)  combined  with  astringents, 
(barberry  bark  is  the  best,  in  doses  of  half  a  tablespoonful 
every  six  hours,)  will  seldom  fail  to  effect  a  cure. 

Scratches.  Troublesome  sores  about  the  heels,  depending 
on  morbific  agents  in  the  system,  for  the  cure  of  which,  see 
Appendix. 

Scrotum.     The  bag,  or  covering  of  the  testicles. 

Secretion.  The  word  secretion  is  used  to  express  that 
function. 

Serum.     The  watery  part  of  the  blood. 

Sesamoid  Bones.  Two  small  bones  on  the  back  part  of 
fetlock  joint. 

Sinew  Sprung.  A  term  sometimes  applied  to  strains  in 
the  back  sinews. 

Sitfast.  A  horny  kind  of  scab,  which  forms  on  the  skin 
in  consequence  of  a  saddle-gall. 

Skin.     (See  Cutis.) 

Slipping.     (See  Abortion.) 

Sole.     (See  Foot,  part  first.) 


276  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Spasm.  An  involuntary  and  continued  contraction  of  mus- 
cles ;  thus  lockjaw  depends  on  a  spasmodic  contraction  of 
muscles. 

Spavin.  A  disease  of  the  horse's  hock,  which  generally 
causes  lameness.  Spavins  are  of  two  kinds  :  the  bone,  and 
the  bog,  or  blood  spavin.  The  former  consists  of  a  bony 
enlargement  of  the  inside  of  the  hock  joint,  towards  the 
lower  part  ;  the  latter,  of  a  soft,  but  elastic  tumor  towards  the 
bend  of  the  joint.  Mr.  Percival  remarks,  "  Notwithstanding 
our  confessed  inability  to  cure  this  disease,  we  are  often 
called  on  to  treat  it,  as  to  the  removal  of  it  by  means  of  a 
chisel,  file,  or  saw.  Although  the  practice  is  exceedingly  com- 
mendable in  cases  of  common  exostosis,  it  is  not  so  well 
adapted  to  spavin  j  those  who  employ  such  means  seldom  fail 
to  leave  the  parts  ultimately  in  a  worse  state  than  they  found 
them.  Our  most  successful  remedies  are  such*as  come  under 
the  denomination  of  counter-irritants." 

Spermatic  Cord.  The  vessels,  &c,  by  which  the  testicles 
are  suspended,  consisting  of  the  spermatic  artery  and  vein, 
the  vas  deferens,  or  seed  duct,  cremaster  muscle,  and  cellular 
membrane. 

Sphincter.  A  name  given  to  muscles  whose  fibres  are 
arranged  in  a  circular  direction,  and  whose  office  is  to  shut 
up  the  parts  to  which  they  are  attached  ;  such  are  the  sphinc- 
ter of  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  and  the  muscles  which  close 
the  fundament. 

Spine.  The  spine  of  the  neck  and  back  is  composed  of 
many  small  bones  named  vertebras.  Seven  belong  to  the  neck, 
eighteen  to  the  back,  six  to  the  loins,  five  to  the  sacrum,  and 
in  the  tail  there  are  about  thirteen. 

Spleen,  or  Milt.  A  soft  substance,  of  a  long,  oval  form, 
and  purple  color.  It  seems  to  be  a  reservoir  for  the  blood 
that  may  be  designed  for  the  secretion  of  bile  in  the  liver. 

Splents.  These  are  bony  excrescences,  which  grow  on 
the  inside  of  the  shank  bone. 

Staggers.  This  is  named  from  the  staggering  gait  of  the 
animal.    It  may  be  brought  on  by  the  horse  eating  too  greedily, 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  277 

swallowing  his  food  when  imperfectly  chewed,  or  eating 
freely  of  food  that  is  difficult  of  digestion.  Horses  of  rather 
an  advanced  age  and  weak  digestive  organs,  when  improperly 
fed,  or  when  a  large  quantity  of  meal  is  allowed,  are  very 
liable  to  apoplexy,  or  staggers.  The  disease  is  generally 
symptomatic  of  derangement  of  the  stomach,  indigestion, 
and  over-distention  of  the  digestive  organs. 

Sternum.      The  breast  bone. 

Stifle  Joint.  This  joint  is  composed  of  the  bones  called 
os  femoris,  tibia,  and  patella.     (See  Frontispiece.) 

Stopping.  A  mixture  of  clay  and  cow-dung  is  employed 
for  the  purpose  of  stopping  horses'  feet,  and  keeping  them 
moist. 

Strains.  For  all  kinds  of  strains  rest  is  the  best  remedy  ; 
sometimes  they  require  poultices,  fomentations,  &c.  The 
latter  will  be  indicated  by  pain  and.  swelling. 

Stubs.  When  a  horse  is  wounded  by  a  splinter  of  wood, 
about  the  foot  or  leg,  he  is  said  to  be  stubbed. 

Styptics.  Medicines  which  stop  bleeding.  The  most 
effectual  method  of  stopping  bleeding,  is  to  tie  the  wounded 
vessel. 

Sudorifics.  Medicines  which  excite  sweating.  It  is  very 
difficult  to  sweat  a  horse,  except  the  process  be  assisted  by 
warmth  and  vapor  externally.  Lobelia,  pennyroyal,  and 
capsicum  promote  the  insensible  perspiration ;  they  must  be 
given  in  infusion  to  the  amount  of  half  a  bucket  or  more. 

Sulphur.     Used  in  cutaneous  diseases  as  an  alterative. 

Sweetbread.     (See  Pancreas.) 

Synovia,  Joint  Oil.  A  mucilaginous  fluid  formed  within 
joints,  to  render  motion  easy,  or  diminish  friction. 


T 

Tansy.     A  medicine  used  to  expel  worms. 
Tar.     Common  tar  is  used  as  an  astringent  for  horses' 
feet. 


278  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Tartar,  Cream  of.  Used  on  horses  to  promote  the  secre- 
tion of  urine. 

Tenaculum.     A  kind  of  hook,  for  taking  up  an  artery. 

Tendo  Achillis.  The  great  tendon,  which  is  fixed  or 
inserted  into  the  calcaneum,  or  projecting  bone  of  the  hock. 

Tendon.     The  white  shining  extremity  of  a  muscle. 

Tenesmus.  Continual  efforts  to  void  dung,  without  any 
discharge. 

Tent.  A  piece  of  lint,  or  tow,  smeared  with  ointment, 
and  thrust  into  a  sore,  in  order  to  prevent  a  too  hasty  and 
superficial  healing. 

Thoracic  Duct.  The  trunk  of  the  absorbents.  (See 
Absorbents,  part  first.) 

Thrush.  A  disease  has  lately  prevailed  to  a  great  extent 
in  the  New  England  States,  which  deserves  some  consider- 
ation. It  is  called  thrush,  and  is  supposed  to  be  a  disease  of 
the  horse's  frog,  consisting  in  a  discharge  of  matter  from  its 
cleft,  or  division  ;  sometimes  the  other  parts  of  the  frog  are 
also  affected,  —  become  soft,  ragged,  and  incapable  of  afford- 
ing protection  to  the  sensitive  frog,  which  it  covers.  We 
cannot  agree  with  many  writers,  that  thrush  is  a  strictly  local 
disease ;  for  after  it  has  passed  through  the  different  stages, 
viz.,  inflammation,  suppuration,  &c,  the  whole  system  takes 
up  the  diseased  action,  either  by  sympathy  or  irritation. 
Hence  the  reader  will  see  the  folly  of  depending  on  local 
agents,  in  the  form  of  ointments,  for  the  cure  of  the  disease, 
in  which  all  the  organs  are  more  or  less  concerned. 

The  internal  remedies  we  recommend  are  alterative  pow- 
ders ;  remove  the  cause,  if  any  exist,  in  the  form  of  bad 
ventilation,  poor  diet,  hard  work,  partial  grooming,  or  the 
sluicing  of  cold  water  on  the  legs.  Let  the  animal  have  bran 
mashes,  with  a  few  boiled  carrots,  every  night. 

The  local  remedies  consist  in  paring  away  the  ragged  or 
uneven  parts  of  the  frog ;  then  wash  the  surface  with  castile 
soap  and  lukewarm  water  ;  afterwards  with  a  solution  of 
common  salt,  in  the  following  proportions :  one  tablespoonful 
Liverpool  salt  to  a  pint  of  rain  water ;  then  apply  a  small 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  279 

portion  of  hoof  ointment  in  the  cleft  of  the  frog;  let  the 
whole  surface  be  covered  with  tow,  then  upon  the  tow  place 
a  flat  piece  of  wood,  about  the  width  of  the  frog,  —  one  of 
the  ends  passing  under  the  toe  of  the  shoe,  the  other  extend- 
ing to  the  back  part  of  the  frog,  and  bound  down  by  trans- 
verse slips  of  wood,  the  ends  of  which  are  to  be  placed 
under  the  shoe.  The  moderate  pressure  thus  applied,  will 
contribute  materially  to  the  cure  and  to  the  production  of 
solid  horn.  This  dressing  must  be  repeated  daily.  If,  after 
this  treatment,  matter  should  discharge,  the  heel  contract, 
and  the  horn  soften,  then  apply  a  poultice  of  Indian  meal, 
with  half  a  tablespoonful  of  cayenne  pepper  on  the  surface, 
washing  the  foot,  as  above,  every  night. 

Tibia.  The  bone  of  the  horse's  thigh  j  that  is,  the  bone 
between  the  hock  and  the  stifle. 

Ticks.  Insects  that  infest  sheep  and  other  animals.  A 
strong  infusion  of  lobelia  will  destroy  them. 

Tongue.  The  tongue  is  a  muscular  substance,  composed 
of  fibres  variously  arranged,  by  which  it  is  rendered  capable 
of  that  diversity  of  action  which  we  observe  ;  it  has  also 
several  muscles  attached  to  it.  The  small  bone,  to  which  it 
has  a  muscular  attachment,  is  named  os  hyoides. 

Tonics.  Medicines  that  augment  the  strength  of  the  body, 
such  as  gentian,  wild  cherry,  poplar  bark,  &c. 

Training.  By  the  word  training  is  meant,  putting  a  horse 
in  that  state  in  which  all  the  functions  of  the  body  are  in 
equilibrium.  In  order  to  bring  a  horse  into  this  desirable 
state,  we  refer  the  reader  to  articles  Feeding,  Exercise,  &c, 
part  first. 

Tubercles.  Small  tumors  that  sometimes  suppurate  and 
discharge  pus ;  they  are  often  found  in  the  lungs. 

Tumor.  A  swelling  on  any  part  of  the  body.  Tumors 
are  of  various  kinds ;  sometimes  caused  by  bruises,  or  other 
accidents ;  at  others,  arising  without  any  visible  cause. 

Tunic  A  coat,  or  membrane,  investing  a  part  j  such  as 
the  tunica  vaginalis  of  the  testicle. 

Turgescence.     An  over-fulness  <*f  the  vessels  in  any  part. 


280  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Turmeric.  Turmeric  root,  an  aromatic  stimulant,  some- 
times used  in  jaundice  or  yellows. 

Twitch.  An  instrument  made  by  fixing  a  noose,  or  cord, 
to  the  end  of  a  stick  ;  this  is  put  on  the  horse's  upper  lip  and 
twisted  rather  tight,  which  makes  him  stand  quiet  during  an 
operation. 

TyxWany.     A  distention  of  the  abdomen  by  air. 

Typhus.     Putrid  fever. 


v 

Udder.  The  udder  is  a  glandular  body,  wnose  office  is 
to  secrete  milk.  It  is  divided,  in  the  cow,  into  four  quarters  ; 
each  of  which  has  an  excretory  duct,  or  teat,  whose  office  is 
to  facilitate  the  extraction  of  milk.  At  the  extremity  of  each 
teat  is  a  contrivance  for  the  purpose  of  retaining  the  fluid 
contained  in  the  udder,  until  it  becomes  much  distended  ; 
when,  if  not  drawn  off,  it  flows  spontaneously,  and  the  animal 
is  thereby  partly  relieved  of  her  burden.  Sometimes  the  udder 
swells  and  becomes  sore,  and  is  often  caused  by  improper 
feeding.  As  there  is  great  sympathy  existing  between  the 
stomach  and  udder,  whatever  deranges  the  former  will  also 
affect  the  latter,  through  the  medium  of  sympathetic  action. 
In  this  case,  the  cow  should  be  drenched  with  a  tea  of  penny- 
royal and  thoroughwort,  and  fed  on  gruel.  The  udder  should 
be  fomented  with  an  infusion  of  mullein  leaves.  Should  the 
swelling  continue  and  appear  painful,  the  following  embroca- 
tion may  be  used  :  linseed  oil  and  lime  water,  equal  parts, 
mix.  If  an  abscess  forms,  and  matter  can  be  felt,  it  should 
be  opened  at  its  most  depending  part,  so  that  the  matter  may 
run  freely  off. 

Ulcers.  There  are  quite  a  variety  of  ulcers  to  be  found 
in  animals ;  the  most  of  them  will  heal  by  the  application  of 
a  mild  astringent,  or  tonic,  such  as  an  infusion  of  barberry  bark, 
or  the  tincture  of  capsicum.  If  it  be  foul  or  callous  in  any 
part,  then  powdered  bloodroot  will  be  proper. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  281 

Ureters.  Two  small  tubes  by  which  the  urine  is  conveyed 
from  the  kidneys  to  the  bladder. 

Urethra.  A  membranous  and  muscular  tube  by  which  the 
urine  is  conveyed  from  the  bladder  j  it  is  of  considerable 
length  in  the  horse. 

Urine,  Excessive  Discharge  of.  (See  Diabetes.) 
Urine,  Incontinence  of.  (See  Incontinence.) 
Uterus.  The  womb.  The  uterus  of  the  mare  is  very 
unlike  that  of  the  human  subject,  in  whom  it  consists  of  one 
bag,  rather  of  an  oval  shape,  somewhat  resembling  a  pear ; 
but  in  the  mare  and  other  quadrupeds,  it  has  a  body  and  two 
branches,  called  its  horns.  The  uterus  terminates  in  the  va- 
gina by  a  narrow  portion,  called  the  neck,  or  mouth  of  the 
womb.  The  extremities  of  these  horns  have  tubes  attached 
to  them,  which,  from  the  name  of  the  discoverer,  are  called 
Fallopian  tubes ;  one  end  of  each  is  expanded,  and  has  a 
fringed  kind  of  edge :  this  is  named  the  fimbria  of  the  Fallo- 
pian tube.  The  Fallopian  tube  is  very  tortuous  in  its  form  ; 
and  that  end  which  proceeds  from  the  horn  of  the  uterus  is 
extremely  small ;  but  the  other,  which  is  slightly  attached  to 
the  ovarium,  is  considerably  larger.  The  ovarium  is  an  ob- 
long body,  about  the  size  of  a  small  hen's  egg.  The  ovaria 
—  for  there  are  two  of  them  —  are  composed  of  a  number  of 
transparent  vesiculae,  called  ova,  (eggs;)  each  ovum  is  sur- 
rounded with  cellular  membrane  ;  and  when  the  ovum  is  im- 
pregnated and  passes  into  the  uterus,  it  leaves  a  mark  which 
is  named  corpus  luteum. 

Uvula.  In  the  human  subject,  the  small  flesh -like  sub- 
stance hanging  in  the  middle  and  back  part  of  the  throat  is 
thus  named.  In  the  horse  this  is  of  a  very  different  form. 
The  uvula  completely  closes  the  opening  to  the  pharynx, 
though  it  readily  yields  to  the  passage  of  food,  or  any  liquid, 
towards  the  gullet ;  it  prevents,  also,  there  turn  of  any  thing 
to  the  mouth,  even  the  air  which  is  expired  from  the  lungs, 
unless  it  be  thrown  aside  by  a  violent  effort,  as  in  coughing. 
It  is  on  this  account  that,  when  the  horse  is  affected  with 
nausea,  or  has  the  action  of  the  stomach  inverted,  —  which 
36 


282  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

sometimes  happens,  though  very  rarely,  —  the  contents  of  the 
stomach  will  be  discharged  through  the  nostrils  ;  but  if  the 
horse  happens  to  cough  during  the  process,  some  part  will  be 
discharged  by  the  mouth. 


Vagina.  The  passage  from  the  external  pudendum,  or 
shape,  to  the  mouth  of  the  womb. 

Valerian.  The  root  of  valerian  is  used  as  an  antispasmodic  ; 
its  virtues  have  been  underrated  by  writers  on  veterinary 
medicine. 

Veins.  The  motion  of  the  heart  is  known  to  communicate 
momentum  to  the  blood  through  the  veins.  Mr.  Percival 
says,  "  We  are  not  to  reject  the  power  of  the  heart  altogether, 
merely  because  the  blood  flows  with  a  uniform  stream  in 
the  veins ;  for  the  absence  of  pulsation  in  them  is  no  proof 
that  the  motion  of  the  blood  is  not  influenced  by  the  contrac- 
tions of  the  heart ;  the  extreme  division  which  this  fluid 
undergoes  in  its  circulation  through  the  capillaries,  and  the 
tortuosity  and  complication  of  the  numberless  small  veins, 
account  for  the  regular  and  uninterrupted  stream  which  we 
meet  with  in  the  larger  branches.  To  prove  that  this  is  the 
explanation  of  the  fact,  if  you  open  a  vein  that  has  free  and 
direct  communication  with  the  extremity  of  an  artery,  (its 
capillary  structure,)  the  blood  will  flow  from  it  with  the  same 
pulsatory  motion,  as  if  the  artery  itself  had  been  penetrated; 
but  if  the  vein  be  one  of  large  size,  remotely  situated  from 
any  arterial  communication,  or  if  it  be  one  that  springs  from 
the  union  of  numerous  capillaries,  that  smooth  and  even 
stream,  with  which  the  blood  circulates  in  the  trunks,  will  be 
observable  here.  These  facts,  then,  lead  us  to  conclude  that 
the  force  of  the  heart  is  not  sufficient  of  itself  to  propel  blood 
through  the  venous  system. 

Froni  the  collected  accounts  of  writers  on  this  subject,  it 
seems  highly  probable,  that  the  blood  flowing  in  the  veins 
receives    additional    momentum   from    the    reaction    of    the 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  283 

capillaries,  and  that  it  is  further  urged  on  by  some  contrac- 
tile force  resident  in  these  vessels  themselves.  That  the 
blood  is  advanced  in  its  course  by  the  action  of  those  mus- 
cles contiguous  to  veins  furnished  with  valves,  is,  without 
doubt,  well  founded,  as  far  as  an  occasional  auxiliary  is  con- 
cerned, as  the  common  operation  of  bleeding  demonstrates ; 
for  it  is  in  consequence  of  muscular  pressure  upon  the  veins 
about  the  head,  that  the  motion  of  a  horse's  jaw  accelerates 
the  flow  of  blood  through  the  jugular  vein :  as  such,  how- 
ever, it  cannot  be  ranked  among  the  essential  causes  of  the 
blood's  motion  in  them. 

Ventricle.  One  of  the  cavities  of  the  heart.  (See 
Heart.) 

Vermifuge.     Medicines  that  destroy  or  expel  worms. 

Vertebrje.     The  bones  of  the  neck  and  spine. 

Vertigo.     A  slight  degree  of  apoplexy. 

Viscera.  The  plural  of  viscus,  a  term  applied  to  the  in- 
ternal organs,  as  the  lungs,  bowels,  &c. 

Vives.  A  swelling  of  the  parotid  gland,  which  is  situated 
between  the  ear  and  the  angle  of  the  jaw. 

Vulva.  A  name  given  to  the  external  parts  of  generation 
in  females. 


w 

Wall  Eyes.  A  horse  is  said  to  have  a  wall  eye,  when 
the  iris  is  of  a  light  or  white  color. 

Warbles.  Small,  hard  swellings  on  the  horse's  back, 
caused  by  the  pressure,  or  heat,  of  the  saddle. 

Warts.  Spongy  excrescences  which  arise  in  various  parts 
of  the  body. 

Water.     (See  Watering,  part  first.) 

Wens.  Hard  tumors,  of  various  sizes,  in  different  parts  of 
the  body.  The  most  effectual  method  of  removing  them  is, 
to  dissect  them  out,  together  with  the  cyst,  or  bag,  in  which 
they  are  formed.  The  skin  is  then  to  be  stitched  up,  and 
tieated  as  a  common  wound. 


284  DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART. 

Whirl  Bone,  or  Round  Bone.    The  hip  joint  is  thus  named. 

Wind.  The  most  effectual  method  of  bringing  a  horse  to, 
is  to  give  him  regular  exercise.  .  (See  Feeding,  Exercise,  &c, 
part  first.) 

Windgalls.  Elastic  tumors  on  each  side  of  the  back  sin- 
ews, immediately  above  the  fetlock  joint ;  they  are  often 
caused  by  hard  work,  or  trotting  on  hard  roads,  at  too  early  an 
age.  There  are  various  operations  recommended,  such  as 
firing,  blistering,  &c.  ;  but  the  remedy  is  generally  worse  than 
the  disease.  Rest,  bandaging,  and  the  occasional  use  of  lini- 
ment, is  all  that  can  be  done  with  safety. 

Withers.  The  part  where  the  mane  ends  is  thus  named 
in  the  horse. 

Yorms.  The  stomach  and  bowels  of  horses  are  liable  to 
be  infested  with  different  kinds  of  worms  ;  but  as  the  same 
treatment  is  proper,  of  whatever  kind  they  may  be,  it  is 
needless  to  enter  into  a  particular  description  of  them.  (See 
Botts.)  Many  articles  are  recommended  by  veterinary  writ- 
ers, for  the  purpose  of  ridding  the  animal  of  these  pests,  viz., 
antimony  calomel,  turpentine,  either  of  which  would  be  just 
as  likely  to  kill  the  horse  as  the  worms.  The  true  indica- 
tions to  be  fulfilled  are  to  tone  up  the  stomach  and  digestive 
organs.     (See  Worm  Powder,  in  the  Appendix.* 


Yard,  Fallen.     (See  Falling  of  the  Yard.) 

Yard,  Foul.     The  horse's  penis  sometimes  requires  to  be 

washed  with  soap  and  water,  in  order  to  free  it  from  mucous 

matter  and  dirt. 

*  Dr.  J.  Hinds  says,  "  Since  the  worms  are  not  always  to  be  killed,  even 
by  strong  poisons,  (calomel,)  nor  brought  away  by  brisk  purgatives,  reason 
dictates,  and  nature  beckons  us  to  follow  her  course  in  affording  to  the  horse 
a  run  at  grass  ;  if  that  is  impossible,  adopt  the  means  nearest  thereto  that 
lie  within  our  reach."  If  calomel  is  a  poison,  —  and  thousands  declare  it  is, 
—  then  it  must  entail  a  disease  more  formidable  than  the  one  it  is  intended 
to  cure. 


DICTIONARY    OF    THE    VETERINARY    ART.  285 

Yellows.  This  disease  is  indicated  by  a  yellowness  of 
the  membranes  that  line  the  eyelid,  and  the  inner  parts  of 
the  lips  and  mouth.  In  this  disease,  the  natural  course  of 
the  bile  is  perverted  ;  it  becomes  absorbed  into  the  circula- 
tion, and  thus  tinges  the  membranes  and  fluids  of  a  yellow 
color.  The  excrement  is  generally  of  a  lighter  color  than 
usual.  The  disease  may  be  produced  by  a  want  of  tone  in 
the  liver,  caused  by  obstructing  the  surface. 


APPENDIX. 

DESCRIPTION  OE  THE   ORGANS   OE   DIGESTION   IN 

THE   OX. 

(Esophagus,  or  Gullet.  —  This  tube  extends  from  the  mouth 
to  the  stomach,  and  is  the  medium  through  which  the  food 
is  conveyed  to  the  latter  organ  ;  this  tube  is  furnished  with 
spiral  muscles,  which  run  in  different  directions.  By  this 
arrangement,  the  food  can  ascend  or  descend  at  the  pleas- 
ure of  the  animal.  The  inner  coat  of  the  gullet  is  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  same  membrane  that  lines  the  mouth,  &c. 
The  gullet  passes  down  the  neck,  on  the  left  of  the  wind- 
pipe, until  it  reaches  the  diaphragm,  through  which  it  passes, 
and  terminates  in  the  stomach.  The  food,  having  undergone 
a  slight  mastication  by  the  action  of  the  teeth,  is  formed  into 
a  pellet,  and,  being  moistened  by  the  saliva,  passes  down  the 
gullet,  by  the  action  of  the  muscles,  and  falls  immediately 
into  the  paunch,  or  rumen  :  here  the  food  undergoes  a  process 
of  maceration,  or  trituration.  The  food,  after  remaining  in 
this  stomach  some  time,  and  the  whole  mass  having  been 
submitted  to  the  action  of  heat  and  moisture,  passes  into 
another  division  of  the  stomach,  called  the  reticulum,  the 
inner  surface  of  which  abounds  in  cells  ;  at  the  bottom  and 
in  all  parts  of  them,  there  are  glands  which  secrete  from  the 
blood,  and  furnish  for  the  use  of  this  portion  of  the  stomach, 
a  quantity  of  mucus.  This  stomach  possesses  properties 
similar  to  those  of  the  bladder  and  stomach  of  the  horse,  viz., 
that  of  contracting  upon  its  contents.  In  the  act  of  con- 
tracting, it  squeezes  out  a  portion  of  the  semi-masticated  food 
which  comes  within  the  reach  of  the  ascending  spiral  mus- 
cles, is  embraced  by  them,  and  thus  ascends  the  gullet,  and 
passes  into  the  mouth  for  remastication.     The  second  stomach 


APPENDIX.  287 

again  receives  a  portion  from  the  paunch,  which  passes  into 
the  stomach  in  the  manner  just  described. 

Rumination  and  digestion  are  mechanico-vital  operations, 
and  can  only  be  properly  performed  when  the  animal  is  in  a 
physiological  or  healthy  state. 

Now,  a  portion  of  the  food,  we  just  observed,  had  ascended 
the  gullet  by  the  aid  of  the  spiral  muscles,  and  entered  the 
mouth ;  it  is  again  submitted  to  the  action  of  the  grinders, 
and  a  fresh  supply  of  saliva;  it  is  at  length  swallowed  a 
second  time.  It  is  now  of  a  softer  consistence,  and  better 
adapted  for  assimilation.  Instead  of  falling,  as  at  first,  direct- 
ly into  the  paunch,  it  continues  on  to  the  third  division  of  the 
stomach,  called  the  manyplus,  or  manifolds.  This  division 
of  the  organ  abounds  internally  in  a  quantity  of  leaves, 
called  laminae.  Some  of  these  are  attached  to  the  upper  and 
lower  portion  of  the  division,  and  also  some  of  the  laminae 
float  loose,  and  penetrate  into  the  oesophagian  canal.  The 
laminae  have  numerous  projections  on  their  surface,  resem- 
bling those  papillae  on  and  around  the  base  of  the  tongue. 
The  action  of  this  stomach  is  one  of  alternate  contraction 
and  expansion ;  this  motion  is  jointly  communicated  to  it  by 
the  action  of  the  diaphragm,  and  its  own  peculiar  arrange- 
ment. It  will  be  readily  perceived,  that  by  this  arrangement 
the  food  is  submitted  to  a  sort  of  grinding  process.  The 
papillae,  or  prominences,  present  a  rough  and  hard  surface, 
sufficient  to  grind  down  the  food,  unless  it  be  of  too  fibrous 
a  nature,  such  as  fox-grass,  corn-stalks,  &c.  These  articles 
make  sad  havoc  in  this  and  other  organs,  owing  to  their  un- 
yielding nature.  They  overtax  the  digestive  organs  ;  debility 
ensues  ;  sympathetic  action  is  set  up,  and  a  general  derange- 
ment follows. 

The  farmer,  as  Gov.  Briggs  observes,  "  is  ignorant  alike  of 
the  disease  and  the  remedy."  The  neighbors  are  called  in; 
down  go  castor  oil,  aloes,  gin  and  molasses,  in  rapid  suc- 
cession. He  has  got  inflammation  of  the  insides,  says  one  ; 
give  him  a  half  pound  of  salts  :  no  sooner  said  than  done  ;  the 
salts  are  hurried  down,  and,  of  course,  find  their  way  into  the 


288 


APPENDIX. 


paunch.  These,  together  with  a  host  of  nostrums  too 
numerous  to  mention,  are  tried  without  effect ;  all  is  commo- 
tion within ;  fermentation  commences ;  gas  is  evolved ;  the 
animal  gives  signs  of  woe.  As  a  last  resort,  paunching, 
bleeding,  &c,  follow,  and  the  animal  dies  under  the  treat- 
ment. A.  case  similar  to  this  came  under  the  author's  notice 
a  short  time  ago.  A  cow  had  been  indisposed  for  several 
days.  A  man,  professing  to  understand  the  treatment  of  dis- 
ease in  domestic  animals,  was  sent  for  j  after  giving  the 
usual  remedies,  without  success,  he  administered  a  mixture 
of  hog's  lard  and  castor  oil.  He  stated  that  the  object  was 
to  wake  up  the  cow's  ideas !  but,  unfortunately,  he  awoke  the 
wrong  ideas,  for  the  cow  died  a  few  hours  afterwards. 

For  the  information  of  our  readers,  we  will  give  two  speci- 
mens of  the  recipes  used  and  recommended  by  the  worldly- 
wise  for  horses. 

"  To  cure  a  Stifled  Horse.  —  Take  one  gallon  of  urine,  a 
small  handful  of  junk  tobacco,  boil  down  to  one  quart,  then 
add  two  ounces  of  oil  of  spike,  one  ounce  of  oil  of  amber, 
two  of  honey.  Rub  the  stifle  hard  with  the  mixture,  and 
dry  it  thoroughly  in  with  a  red-hot  fire  shovel"  (I)  (See 
Green  Mountain  Freeman,  of  Nov.  29,  1849. 

Our  own  views  of  this  subject  are,  that  it  is  the  relics  of  a 
cruel  and  barbarous  system.  The  only  party  that  would  be 
likely  to  derive  benefit  from  the  operation,  would  be  the  man 
from  whom  the  shovel  was  purchased. 

Another ,  from  the  same  Paper.  —  "For  lameness  of  the 
shoulder,  apply  alum  salt  to  the  part  affected,  and  rub  up  and 
down  the  shoulder  with  a  brick."  (!) 

The  fourth  division  of  the  stomach  of  the  ox  is  called 
abomasum.  It  somewhat  resembles  the  duodenum  of  the 
horse,  and  is  the  true  digestive  stomach ;  it  is  studded  with 
numerous  nerves,  blood-vessels,  and  glands.  It  is  a  laboratory 
admirably  fitted  up  by  the  Divine  Artist,  and  is  capable  of 
carrying  on  the  chemico-vital  process  as  long  as  the  animal 
lives,  provided  the  healthy  functions  are  not  impaired.  The 
glands  alluded  to  secrete  from  the  blood  a  powerful  solvent 


APPENDIX.  289 

called  the  gastric  juice,  which  is  the  agent  in  reducing  the 
food  to  a  fluid,  called  chyle  :  this,  however,  is  accomplished  by 
the  united  agency  of  the  bile  and  pancreatic  juice  ;  both  these 
fluids  are  conveyed  into  the  abomasum  by  means  of  small  tubes 
or  canals.  The  nutritious  portion  of  the  food  is  taken  up  by 
the  lacteals  and  absorbents,  (in  the  same  manner  as  we  have 
already  described  in  the  horse  ;)  it  then  passes  on  to  the  tho- 
racic duct,  and  enters  the  circulation.  The  feculent  matter 
passes  along  the  intestines,  accumulates  in  the  rectum,  and  is 
voided  at  the  will  of  the  animal. 

The  spleen  or  melt,  is  an  oblong,  dark-colored  substance, 
attached  to  the  paunch.  It  is  composed  of  blood-vessels, 
lymphatics,  and  nerves,  united  by  cellular  membrane.  It  ap- 
pears to  serve  as  a  reservoir  for  the  blood  that  may  be  designed 
for  the  secretion  of  bile  in  the  liver. 

The  liver  is  a  dense  gland,  composed  of  two  lobes,  situated 
below  the  diaphragm,  or  skirt,  extending  to  the  right  side. 
There  is  a  large  vein  enters  the  liver,  called  vena  po?~ta,  or 
gate  vein.  The  blood  that  passes  from  the  intestines,  instead 
of  returning  directly  to  the  heart,  accumulates  in  the  vena 
porta ;  the  latter  ramifies  into  innumerable  small  vessels, 
through  the  substance  of  the  liver,  from  which  the  bile  is 
secreted  ;  the  blood  then  passes  on  to  the  heart. 

The  bile,  having  been  secreted  from  the  blood,  accumulates 
in  the  gall  bladder,  where  it  is  kept  for  future  use.  When 
the  healthy  action  of  the  fourth  stomach  is  interrupted,  the 
bile  is  supposed  to  be  reabsorbed,  enters  the  circulation,  and 
invariably  produces  yellowness  of  the  eyes  ;  the  disease  is 
then  termed  yellows,  jaundice,  &c.  Sometimes  the  passage 
of  the  bile  into  the  fourth  stomach  is  obstructed  by  calculi, 
or  gall-stones  ;  they  have  been  found  in  great  numbers  in 
oxen. 

The  pancreas  is  composed  of  a  number  of  lobules,  or  glands  ; 
a  small  duct  proceeds  from  each  ;  they  unite  and  form  a  com- 
mon canal,  which  proceeds  towards,  and  terminates  in.  the 
fourth  stomach,  where  it  assists  m  the  process  of  digestion,  as 
already  stated. 

37 


290  APPENDIX. 

The  intestines  assume  the  same  names  as  those  already- 
described  in  the  horse.  They  are  more  capacious,  and  of  a 
greater  length,  than  those  of  the  horse. 

Internal  and  External  Relations. — Through  the  instrumen- 
tality of  the  nervous  structure,  there  is  constantly  a  sympathy 
kept  up  between  the  different  parts  of  the  animal ;  whenever 
any  part  is  affected,  the  corresponding  part  feels  the  influence. 
Thus  the  external  surface  is  opposed  to  the  mucous  and  serous 
membranes,  as  of  the  lungs,  alimentary  canal,  pleura,  and 
peritoneum ;  so  that  if  the  function  of  either  of  these  be  di- 
minished, or  excessive,  or  suspended,  that  of  the  correspond- 
ing, or  antagonistic,  will  soon  become  excessive,  or  suspended, 
and  the  restoration  of  the  lost  function  is  the  ,only  true  way 
to  effect  a**cure  ;  hence  we  repeat  what  has  already  been 
stated  in  part  first. 

The  indications  of  cure  are,  to  relax,  contract,  stimulate, 
and  furnish  the  animal  with  proper  materials  for  nutrition: 
this  constitutes  the  whole  modus  operandi  of  the  medical  art. 

For  example,  if  the  animal  is  suffered  to  feed  in  wet  situa 
tions,  the  feet  and  external  sin-face  become  cold  ;  and  hence 
catarrh,  garget,  and  fluxes,  the  only  sure  cure  for  which  is  to 
remove  the  animal  to  a  dry,  warm  situation.  Restore  the  lost 
function  by  rubbing  the  surface,  and  by  the  application  of 
warmth  and  moisture  ;  if  there  is  not  enough  vitality  to  equal- 
ize the  circulation,  administer  warm  antispasmodics,  (which 
see.)  If  the  feet  are  chilled  by  standing  in  damp  pastures, 
the  circulation  of  the  blood  is  interrupted,  and  it  will  accu- 
mulate in  the  cranium  or  abdomen. 

Again,  if  the  many  plus  is  distended  with  food,  the  animal 
will  appear  dull  and  sleepy,  and  the  proper  correction  is  to 
dilute  the  accumulated  mass  with  warm  stimulants. 

If  a  mass  of  hardened  food  is  suffered  to  remain  in  any  part 
of  the  stomach  for  want  of  power  in  the  digestive  organs  to 
assimilate  it,  then  irritation  is  the  consequence,  and  inflam- 
mation follows.  The  reader  must  remember  that  inflamma- 
tion is  the  concentration  of  the  available  vital  force  too  much 
upon  a  small  region  of  the  body,  and  that  it  is  invited  there 


APPENDIX.  291 

by  irritation.  Now,  the  most  rational  way  to  proceed  is,  to 
remove  the  cause  of  irritation,  (no  matter  whether  the  stomach 
or  bowels  are  involved.)  and  invite  the  blood  to  the  surface 
by  counter-irritants,  (see  list  of  medicines,)  and  distribute 
it  over  the  general  system,  so  that  it  will  not  be  excessive 
any  where.  This  mode  of  relief  is  termed  counter-irri- 
tation. The  popular  method  is  to  concentrate  vital  action  to 
a  certain  spot  in  the  form  of  a  blister,  composed  of  canthar- 
ides,  which  is  generally  worse  than  the  form  of  irritation  they 
wish  to  relieve.  We  do  it  by  inviting  action  to  all  parts  of 
the  surface,  and  of  course,  through  all  other  parts  of  the 
body,  through  the  relaxing  influence  of  our  medicines. 
There  is  generally  but  little  difficulty  in  producing  an  equi- 
librium of  action  ;  the  great  point  is  to  sustain  it.  When  the 
blood  accumulates  in  a  part,  as  in  inflammation  of  the  bowels, 
the  sensibility  of  the  part  is  so  highly  exalted  that  the  least 
irritation  calls  it  back  again ;  hence  we  recommend  bland  teas 
and  mucilage  of  slippery  elm  to  sheatUe  the  surfaces  from 
irritation. 

Horn -Ail  in  Cattle.  —  On  applying  the  hand  to  the  horn  or 
horns  of  a  sick  beast,  an  unnatural  heat  or  coldness  is  felt ;  this 
enables  us  to  judge  of  the  degree  of  sympathetic  disturbance ; 
and  here,  reader,  permit  us  to  enter  our  protest  against  a  cruel 
practice,  that  is  much  in  fashion,  viz.,  that  of  boring  the  horns 
with  a  gimlet,  for  it  does  not  mend  the  matter  one  jot.  The 
gimlet  *  frequently  penetrates  into  the  frontal  sinuses  which 
communicate  with  the  nqgfril,  and  where  mucous  secretion, 
if  vitiated  or  tenacious,  will  accumulate.  Sometimes  pus  is 
formed  in  these  sinuses,  resulting  from  common  catarrh  or 
hoove ;  the  gimlet  often  penetrates  the  sac  in  which  the  pus 
is  contained,  and  matter  follows  the  withdrawal  of  the  instru- 
ment, and  the  operator  sagely  concludes  that  he  has  hit  the 
right  spot.  Should  the  animal  by  any  means  recover  within 
the  space  of  a  week  or  two,  the  recovery  is  strangely  attrib- 

*  When  the  horns  are  bored  in  a  transverse  direction,  and  the  gimlet 
passes  between  the  horn  and  ossific  structure,  it  enters  the  sinus,  and  the 
bungler,  meeting  with  no  resistance,  concludes  that  the  horn  is  hollow. 


292  APPENDIX. 

uted  to  the  boring  process.  An  author  whose  name  has 
escaped  our  memory,  recommends  "  cow  doctors  to  carry  a 
gimlet  in  their  pocket."  We  say  to  every  man,  Lead  your- 
selves not  into  temptation  :  if  you  put  a  gimlet  in  your  pock- 
et, you  would  be  likely  to  slip  it  into  the  cow's  horn.  Some 
men  have  a  kind  of  instinctive  impulse  to  bore  the  cow's 
horn  ;  of  course  we  allude  to  those  who  are  unacquainted  with 
the  nature  of  the  malady.  It  is  no  more  a  disease  of  the 
horns  than  it  is  of  interrupted  secretion,  absorption,  &c, 
finally,  the  whole  mucous  membrane.  Horn-ail — as  it  is 
improperly  termed,  for  it  is  only  a  symptom  of  derangement 
—  may  result  or  accompany  common  catarrh,  also  that  of  an 
epidemic  form  ;  the  horns  will  also  feel  unnatural  if  there  is 
a  determination  of  blood  to  the  head  :  this  might  easily  be 
equalized  by  stimulating  the  external  surface  and  extremities  : 
a  general  temperature  would  be  the  result.  The  horns  will 
generally  be  found  hot  whenever  the  vascular  structure  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  is  distended  beyond  its  physiological 
state,  on  account  of  the  ingesta  and  egesta  —  what  passes  in 
and  out  —  not  being  duly  proportioned  :  the  blood-vessels  then 
become  expanded  and  hot,  and  febrile  symptoms  follow  ;  and 
this  loss  of  equilibrium  may  result  from  suffering  the  animal 
to  wallow  in  filth,  or  be  exposed  in  damp  situations,  thereby 
constricting  the  surface,  and  driving  the  circulation  to  the  in- 
ternal organs. 

If  the  insensible  perspiration  is  checked,  then  it  is  deter- 
mined to  serous  and  mucous  rnernhjanes,  and  results  in  hoove, 
or  catarrh,  abscesses,  dropsy,  congestions,  hemorrhage,  diarrhoea, 
&c.  Thus,  in  some  cases,  the  dry  and  contracted  state  of  the 
surface  determines  the  fluids  that  would  naturally  go  there  to 
the  internal  canal,  as  the  kidneys,  producing  red  water,  or  to  the 
bowels,  producing  diarrhoea;  but  first  confines  morbific  mat- 
ter in  the  system,  and  from  it  abscesses  are  formed  j  some- 
times in  the  udder,  called  garget  ;  at  other  times  in  the 
frontal  sinuses,  called  horn-ail.  In  most  cases,  abscesses 
will  determine  towards  the  external  surface,  as  on  the  udder, 
and   be   discharged  ;  or  to  the  mucous,  as  in   those   of   the 


APPENDIX.  293 

head,  which  are  generally  discharged  by  the  nostril,  if  not 
interrupted  by  the  gimlet  and  officious  meddling. 

The  mucous  membrane  is  a  duplicative  of  the  skin,  and  is 
folded  into  all  the  external  orifices  of  the  animal,  as  the 
mouth,  ears,  nose,  lungs,  stomach,  intestines,  and  bladder  ;  but 
not  being  exposed  to  the  action  of  external  agents,  it  is  not 
so  strong  or  thick  as  the  skin.  It  performs  nearly  the 
same  office  as  the  skin.  If  the  action  of  one  is  suppressed, 
the  other  immediately  commences  the  performance  of  its 
office  :  thus  a  common  cold,  which  closes  the  skin,  immediately 
stops  insensible  perspiration,  which  is  now  forced  through  the 
mucous  membrane,  producing  a  discharge  from  the  nose,  eyes, 
bowels,  &c.  ;  so,  when  great  derangements  of  the  mucous 
membranes  exist,  debilitating  perspiration  succeeds.  It  is 
evident  that  a  proper  attention  to  pasturing,  stall-feeding, 
and  due  consideration  of  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  the 
animal,  would  prevent  horn,  as  well  as  any  other  ail  that  neat 
cattle  are  often  attacked  with.  If  the  horns  are  cold,  it  is 
indicative  of  disease  in  the  lungs,  liver,  or  intestines ;  if  they 
are  hot,  the  fluids  are  determined  to  the  brain. 

Mr.  Lawson  thus  discourseth  on  the  diseases  of  cattle  : 
"It  is  much  to  be  lamented,  that  few  men  of  requisite  knowl- 
edge and  experience  have  written  on  this  subject.  The  reci- 
pes usually  recommended  are  perplexing  from  their  number, 
useless,  or,  rather,  pernicious,  from  the  heterogenous  ingredi- 
ents they  contain,  and  far  too  expensive  for  general  use. 

"  It  should  be  considered  that  animals  living  in  a  state  of  na- 
ture, regulated  by  the  experience  and  reason  of  man,  would 
be  almost  wholly  exempt  from  disease  ;  that  their  appetites, 
unlike  our  own,  may  be  held  under  a  constant  control  ;  that 
their  diseases  result  purely  from  the  negligence  or  erroneous 
treatment  of  their  owners.  They  are  either  exposed  too 
much  to  the  rigors  and  changes  of  the  weather,  or  they  are 
gorged  with  food,  denied  a  sufficient  quantity,  or  supplied 
with  such  as  generally  proves  injurious.  Hence  we  learn  the 
chief  causes  of  their  maladies. 

"  Learn  to  prevent  them,  instead  of  undertaking  the  tedious, 


294 


APPENDIX. 


unsuitable,  and  hopeless  task  of  learning  to  cure  them.  Of 
all  things,  let  the  proprietors  of  cattle  renounce  forever  the 
insane  folly  of  offering  premiums  for  curing  incurable  dis- 
eases, and  the  hope  of  providing  medicines,  which,  by  a  sort 
of  miraculous  operation,  will  enable  men  to  continue  in  the 
habit  of  exposing  their  animals  to  the  constant  risk  of  such 
diseases." 

In  addition  to  these  remarks,  Dr.  White  says,  "  Almost  all 
the  diseases  of  cattle  arise  either  from  exposure  to  wet  and 
cold  weather,  from  their  food  being  of  a  bad  quality,  or  defi- 
cient in  quantity,  or  from  being  changed  too  suddenly  from 
poor,  unwholesome  keep  to  richer  pasture.  It  is  necessary  to 
observe,  also,  that  the  animal  is  more  liable  to  be  injured  by 
exposure  to  wet  and  cold,  when  previously  enfeebled  by  bad 
keep,  old  age,  or  any  other  cause ;  and  particularly  when 
brought  from  a  mild,  into  a  cold,  situation,  I  have  scarcely 
met  with  a  disease  that  is  not  attributable  to  a  chill.  The 
foolish,  expensive,  and  dangerous  medicines  prescribed  in 
works  on  cattle  doctoring  must  have  ruined  and  destroyed 
many  a  valuable  animal.  These  books  —  referring  to  Clater, 
Downing,  &c. — are  written  in  the  old  style  of  quackery, 
and  display  the  grossest  ignorance  of  the  subject,  which  is 
attempted  to  be  concealed  under  a  multitude  of  unintelligible 
words." 

The  author  has  been  consulted  in  several  cases  of  disease 
misnamed  horn-ail.  In  the  case  referred  to,  there  were  slow 
fecal  movements  or  constipation  ;  the  conjunctiva  of  the  eye 
was  injected  with  yellow  fluid,  and  of  course  a  deficiency  of 
bile  in  the  abomasum,  or  fourth  stomach.  The  indications 
were,  to  promote  a  healthy  action  through  the  whole  system, 
stimulate  the  digestive  organs,  remove  obstructions,  and  pro- 
duce counter-irritation  on  the  external  surface.  The  follow- 
ing certificate  —  which  was  received  from  Deacon  Osgood,  a 
highly  respectable  farmer  of  Lancaster,  Massachusetts,  —  will 
show  the  result  of  the  treatment :  — 


APPENDIX.  295 

"  Lancaster,  Oct.  9,  1848. 
"  Messrs.  Stimpson  &  Reed  :  — In  July  last,  I  had  a  valuable  cow  attacked 
with  what  is  commonly  called  horn-ail,  which  so  reduced  her  that  in  a  short 
time  she  was  unable  to  stand.  I  administered  all  the  remedies  within  my 
knowledge  ;  but  she  continued  to  grow  worse,  and  I  thought  she  must  die. 
The  medicines  prepared  by  Dr.  Dadd  were  then  recommended  to  me  by  a 
friend  who  had  used  them,  and  so  sanguine  was  he  that  they  would  relieve 
her,  that  he  procured  some,  and  wished  me  to  use  them,  which  I  did  with 
surprising  effect.  I  applied  the  Liquid  Blister  a  few  times,  rubbing  it  in 
between  the  horns,  and  at  the  same  time  gave  a  Physic  Ball ;  and  in  three 
hours  afterwards  the  cow  was  able  to  get  up  alone.  I  then  gave  the  Distem- 
per Powder,  and  she  soon  got  entirely  well.  Dr.  Dadd's  medicines  I  think 
are  invaluable  to  farmers  and  others  dealing  in  cattle,  and  only  require  to  be 
known  to  be  extensively  used  PETER   OSGOOD." 


A   LIST   OF 


DADD'S  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES, 

SOLD    BY 

STIMPSON  &   REED,   No.   26   Merchants   Row, 
BOSTON. 

Also,    at    Dadd's     Horse     and    Cattle    Medicine    Depot, 
Nos.    1   &   2   Haymarket   Square,   Boston. 

WITH    DIRECTIONS   FOR  USING   THE    MEDICINES,   AND  REMARKS 

ON  VARIOUS  DISEASES,   THE  PROPER 

METHOD  OF  CURE,  &c. 


For  the  convenience  of  those  who  have  not  the  time,  or  means,  to  make 
themselves  acquainted  with  our  system  of  practice,  we  manufacture  various 
kinds  of  medicine  for  the  prevention  and  cure  of  disease ;  they  have  been 
before  the  public  but  a  short  time,  and  have  generally  given  satisfaction. 
These  compounds  are  manufactured  under  the  superintendence  of  the  under- 
signed, who  has  had  ample  opportunities  of  making  himself  acquainted  with 
veterinary  practice,  and  who  has  endeavored  to  obtain  a  correct  knowledge 
of  the  modus  operandi  of  therapeutical  agents  to  the  cure  of  disease,  and 
whose  chief  object  has  been  to  combine  those  agents,  that,  when  given  in 
small  quantities,  are  capable  of  exciting  and  increasing  the  natural  func- 
tions, without  diminishing  or  destroying  their  power. 

Every  description  of  medicine,  used  for  horses  or  cattle,  can  be  procured, 
with  suitable  directions  for  their  use. 

Persons  shipping  horses  can  be  supplied  with  every  requisite  for  the 
voyage. 


PREPARED  BY 

GEO.  H.  DADD,  M.  D. 

PRACTITIONER    OF     THE    PHYSIOLOGICAL    PRACTICE     OF    VETERINARY 
MEDICINE     AND     SURGERY. 

38 


LIST  OF  MEDICINES  AND  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

Physic  Balls.  These  are  useful  in  constipation.  They  are  not  intended 
to  act  as  a  powerful  cathartic,  for,  as  Dr.  Gregory  observes,  "purgatives, 
besides  being  uncertain  and  uncontrollable',  often  kill  from  the  dangerous 
debility  they  produce."  These  balls  are  a  combination  of  relaxent,  tonic, 
and  stimulant  properties,  and  can  generally  be  used  with  safety. 

Alterative  Poivder.  This  is  a  valuable  condition  powder,  and  is  the  result 
of  many  years'  practical  experience.  It  may  be  used  with  success  in  vertigo, 
staggers,  and  all  complaints  depending  on  impaired  digestion;  also  in 
cutaneous  diseases,  viz.,  mange,  scabby  eruptions,  scratches,  humors,  &c. 
It  may  also  be  given  as  a  palliative  in  those  incurable  diseases,  termed 
glanders  and  farcy.  It  is  highly  recommended  for  rot,  murrain,  and  diseases 
of  sheep  and  cattle.     Price  50  cents  per  box. 

The  following  has  been  received  from  the  Postmaster  at  South  Woburn. 

Sept.  22,  1849. 

Dr.  Dadd.  Dear  Sir:  —  At  the  request  of  a  friend,  I  called  at  your  office 
to  procure  a  box  of  Alterative  Powders,  for  which  I  paid  50  cents.  I  now 
take  this  opportunity  to  add  my  testimony  in  favor  of  its  astonishing  and 
beneficial  results.  One  month  ago,  my  horse,  which  I  value  highly,  was 
poor  in  flesh,  with  a  staring  coat  and  scurfy,  but  by  the  use  of  the  above 
powder  is  now  seventy-five  pounds  heavier,  with  a  clear  skin  and  glossy 
coat ;  this,  I  am  prepared  to  say,  is  entirely  the  result  of  your  powder.  If 
I  should  be  asked  which  I  should  prefer  to  keep  my  horse  healthy,  clean,  and 
fat,  a  box  of  your  powders,  or  five  bushels  of  the  best  grain,  I  should  say 
the  former.  My  opinion  is  that  the  powder  acts  on  the  system  safer  and 
better  than  any  other  treatment  can.  Yours,  &c. 

N.  A.  RICHARDSON. 


Boston,  Oct.  8,  1849. 
Dr.  Dadd.  Sir:  —  In  answer  to  your  inquiry  concerning  my  horse,  I 
would  remark  that  I  paid  the  sum  of  $21  to  a  horse  doctor,  without  the  least 
appearance  of  any  benefit  being  derived,  and  that  the  box  of  Alterative 
Powder,  obtained  from  you,  established  the  health  of  my  horse  in  a  short 
time.  I  shall  be  happy,  at  any  time,  to  recommend  your  medicine  to  my 
friends.  E.  S.  CONVERSE. 


New  York,  JVov.  29,  1848. 
This  is  to  certify  that  I  have  used  Dr.  Dadd's  Alterative  Powders,  and  can 
highly  recommend  them  to  the  public,  as  I  have  tried  them,  and  they  have 
had  good  success.  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  they  are  invaluable,  and 
what  are  much  needed  in  this  large  city.  I  have  also  tried  some  of  his  other 
compositions,  and  can  highly  recommend  them  also  to  the  public. 

MOSES  C.  BROWN, 
No.  93,  24th  street,  N.  Y 

Worm  Powders.     For  the  removal  of  worms  from  the  intestinal  canal, 
where,  from  their  presence,  they  are  productive  of  serious  consequences, 


APPENDIX.  299 

preventing  the  proper  assimilation  of  the  food,  destroying  the  appetite,  and 
causing  the  animal  to  lose  flesh,  and  become  incapable  of  continued  exer- 
tion. These  powders  are  not  intended  as  a  direct  vermifuge  to  kill  and 
expel  worms  directly,  yet  they  do  so  in  some  cases.  (See  certificate  from  A. 
B.  F.  Hildreth,  Editor  of  Family  Gazette.)  They  act  indirectly  by  toning 
up  the  digestive  organs  and  preventing  the  food  from  running  into  fermen- 
tation.    Price  50  cents  per  package. 

There  are  no  infallible  symptoms  by  which  the  presence  of  worms,  in  the 
bowels,  can  be  readily  distinguished  from  intestinal  irritation,  or  indigestion, 
for  the  latter  will  be  attended  with  similar  symptoms  as  above. 

The  author  was  called  in  the  month  of  March,  1848,  to  make  a  post  mor- 
tem examination  of  a  horse.  The  owner  stated,  that  the  animal  had  been 
treated  for  a  disease  of  the  kidneys,  and  that  the  hind  extremities  were 
paralyzed  some  hours  before  death.  There  was  no  emaciation,  tucked  up 
belly,  or  staring  coat ;  the  lungs,  spleen,  kidneys,  and  pancreas,  were  in  a 
healthy  state.  On  making  an  incision  into  the  small  intestines,  a  large 
number  of  the  teres,  or  long,  round  worm,  were  found  ;  these  were  traced 
to  the  duodenum,  and  finally,  about  six  were  found  in  the  stomach:  in  all, 
about  a  peck  was  taken  away.  Some  writers  suppose  that  worms  are  bred 
by  the  mucus  in  the  alimentary  canal,  and  others  that  they  always  exist,  and 
are  necessary  to  health.  I  have  examined  the  intestinal  canal  of  many 
animals,  and  am  fully  convinced  that  no  such  creatures  can  be  discovered 
in  healthy  animals.  The  proper  treatment  consists  in  imparting  healthy 
action  to  the  digestive  organs,  which  the  Worm  Powders  generally  accom- 
plish, and  sometimes  result  in  the  expulsion  of  the  worms.  (See  following 
certificate.) 

Bradford,  Vt,  Aug.  1,  1849. 
Messrs.  Stimpso.n  &  Reed: — I  take  much  pleasure  in  expressing  my 
high  opinion  of  Dr.  Dadd's  horse  and  cattle  medicines.  I  know  several 
instances  in  which  they  have  been  used  with  much  benefit ;  but  I  will  merely 
relate  my  own  experience  with  using  the  Worm  Powder.  Some  time  last 
season  your  travelling  agent  left  me  a  pamphlet,  giving  a  list  of  Dr.  Dadd's 
horse  and  cattle  medicine,  together  with  remarks  on  the  causes,  symptoms, 
and  treatment  of  diseases  in  horses  and  cattle.  This  pamphlet  I  perused 
with  some  care.  Last  winter,  my  horse  betrayed  various  symptoms,  such  as 
occasional  coughing,  restlessness  in  the  stall,  frequent  biting  of  his  sides, 
&c,  which  led  me  to  believe  he  was  troubled  with  worms.  I  procured  a 
box  of  Dadd's  Worm  Powders,  and  was  four  or  five  days  in  feeding  them  to 
him.  I  then  had  occasion  to  drive  him  some  six  or  eight  miles,  and  soon 
noticed,  from  the  frequent  evacuations,  that  he  was  under  the  operation  of 
physic  ;  and  by  more  particular  observation  I  discovered  that  an  infinite  num- 
ber of  worms,  from  three  to  six  inches  long,  were  ejected  —  not  whole,  but 
cut  into  innumerable  shreds.  From  that  time  my  horse  had  an  increased 
appetite,  began  to  thrive,  and  has  done  well  ever  since.       Yours  truly, 

A.  B.  F.  HILDRETH, 

Editor  of  Family  Gazette. 

Diuretic,  or  Urine  Powders,  for  all  obstructions  of  the  kidneys,  bladder,  or 
urinary  organs.     These  powders  are  celebrated  for  promoting  the  secretion 


300  APPENDIX. 

and  excretion  of  urine,  and  inducing  a  healthy  action  of  the  parts.  When 
the  urine  is  thick  and  turbid,  deficient  in  quantity,  or  voided  with  difficulty, 
a  few  doses  will  generally  give  relief.  These  powders  tone  up  and  strengthen 
the  secreting  organs,  equalize  the  general  circulation,  promote  perspiration, 
and  determine  morbific  matter  to  the  surface.  It  is  the  only  medicine  that 
can  be  used  with  any  chance  of  success  in  hydrothorax,  or  an  effusion  of 
serum  in  the  cavity  of  the  chest ;  in  dropsy  of  the  abdomen  ;  or  in  cases  of 
swelled  legs,  oftentimes  caused  by  an  effusion  of  water  into  the  cellular 
tissue.  They  may  be  given  with  safety  to  all  kinds  of  animals.  Price  50 
cents  per  package. 

Charlestowiv,  Jan.  12,  1849. 
Dr.  Dadd.  Sir :  —  You  desired  me  to  send  you  word  what  effect  the 
"  Urine  Powders  "  and  "  Healing  Balsam  "  had  on  my  cows,  one  of  which 
was  troubled  with  bloody  milk,  and  the  other  with  a  large  bunch  on  the 
udder.  I  gave  the  powder  according  to  your  directions,  in  the  first  case  ;  the 
bloody  discharge  was  arrested  in  a  few  hours,  and  no  traces  of  it  remain. 
And  in  the  latter,  the  swelling  commenced  decreasing  in  size  shortly  after 
the  first  dose.  The  animal,  which  was  wounded  so  badly  in  the  side,  is  quite 
well.  The  "Healing  Balsam"  acted  like  a  charm,  and  from  what  I  have 
witnessed  of  the  good  effects  of  your  medicines,  I  am  safe  to  say  that  as  soon 
as  they  are  known  they  will  be  extensively  used. 

Yours,  with  respect, 

E.  S.  WALDEN. 

Heave  Powder,  for  heaves,  pneumonia,  thick  wind,  chronic  cough,  roaring, 
bronchitis,  catarrh,  and  all  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs,  general  debil- 
ity, and  loss  of  condition.  There  are  no  diseases  that  produce  such  disas- 
trous effects  as  those  enumerated ;  and  there  is  no  known  remedy  that  has 
been  able  to  grapple  with  the  dire  foe  with  such  extraordinary  success,  as 
Dadd's  Heave  Powder.  Abundant  testimonials  are  in  the  hands  of  the  pro- 
prietors, sufficient  to  establish  the  fact  beyond  a  doubt. 

These  powders  promote  and  maintain  an  equilibrum  between  the  secreting 
organs,  and  are  offered  to  the  public  with  entire  confidence,  being  free  from 
all  deleterious  articles.  A  single  trial  will  satisfy  every  one  of  their  efficacy. 
Put  up  in  packages,  at  50  cents  and  25  cents  each. 

Rochester,  N.  II.,  Dec.  29,  1848. 

Sir  :  —  Having  a  horse  severely  affected  with  the  heaves,  a  few  weeks 
since,  I  called  on  you  and  purchased  a  box  of  "Heave  Powders,"  (Dr. 
Dadd's,)  which  I  administered  according  to  the  directions,  with  the  most 
satisfactory  result.  They  gave  immediate  relief,  and  completely  cured  the 
complaint  in  a  few  days.  The  horse  is  now  perfectly  well,  with  no  appear- 
ance of  disease.  I  consider  the  Heave  Powder  a  most  valuable  medicine, 
and  would  recommend  it  to  all  having  occasion  for  an  article  of  the  kind,  as 
eminently  worthy  of  confidence.  SAMUEL  MESERVE. 

To  S.  J.  Billings,  Druggist,  Great  Falls,  N.  H. 

Boston,  Aug.  8,  1849. 
This  is  to  certify,  that  I  have  a  horse  which  was  afflicted  for  over  one  year 
with  heaves,  and  that  I  used  Dr.  Dadd's  Heave  Powder  for  a  short  time, 


APPENDIX.  301 

which  has  cured  him  entirely.  I  may  add,  that  I  have  had  considerable 
experience  in  the  practice  of  horse  medicine,  and  have  never  found  any  thing 
that  would  act  with  such  surprising-  benefit,  in  so  short  a  time. 

JOHN  FREEMAN, 

Boston,  Mass. 

Lancasteb,  July  25,  1848. 
Messrs.  Stimpson  &  Reed.  Gents:  —  Last  winter,  a  young-  horse  of 
mine  was  attacked  with  a  bad  cough  and  shortness  of  breath ;  for  the  cure 
of  which  I  followed  the  directions  of  a  horse  doctor,  until  he  pronounced 
him  incurable,  and  in  consumption.  I  then  heard  of  the  medicine  sold  by 
you,  and  prepared  by  Dr.  Dadd,  which  I  procured  and  used  with  entire  suc- 
cess. The  cough  and  shortness  of  breath  were  relieved,  and  I  now  think 
the  horse  well.  The  articles  I  used  were  Heave  Powders  and  Liquid 
Blister.  JOHN  THURSTON. 

Horse  Liniment,  for  rheumatism  and  sciatica,  sprain  of  the  muscles  or 
tendons  of  the  back,  stifle,  lameness,  enlarged  joints,  and  lameness  of  every 
description.  In  the  absence  of  acute  symptoms  it  may  be  safely  depended 
on,  as  it  has  never  yet  failed  of  giving  satisfaction.  The  basis  of  this  prep- 
aration was  first  used  in  combination,  by  the  celebrated  G.  Bott,  of  Notting- 
ham, since  which  time  the  author  has  made  valuable  additions,  which  his 
experience  in  the  physiological  practice  has  rendered  him  competent  to  do. 
With  the  valuable  additions  that  have  been  thus  made,  it  is  with  the  greatest 
confidence  that  we  ask  the  public  to  give  it  at  least  one  trial ;  we  have  never 
in  a  solitary  instance,  known  the  purchaser  to  be  disappointed. 

In  old  chronic  cases  of  the  human  family,  when  every  other  article  has 
failed  of  affording  relief,  try  Dadd's  Horse  Liniment. 

New  York,  April  14,  1849. 
Dr.  Dadd  :  —  A  short  time  since,  a  valuable  horse  of  mine  was  taken 
lame,  and,  after  using  almost  all  the  liniments  sold  here,  I  procured  and  used 
some  of  your  Liquid  Blister  and  Liniment,  which  has  helped  him  so  much 
that  I  feel  assured  he  will  soon  be  entirely  well.  I  have  also  used  your 
Alterative  Powders,  and  can  recommend  them  as  good  medicines. 

Yours,  HENRY  H.  BROWNELL, 

34  Canal  street,  N.  Y. 

Distemper  Powder.  This  is  a  truly  valuable  article  to  the  farmer  and 
stable-keeper ;  for,  if  given  occasionally,  during  the  spring  and  summer 
months,  it  will  prevent  distemper  in  every  form;  it  will,  if  given  in  season, 
arrest  malignant  epidemic,  catarrh,  which  often  terminates  in  glanders.  In 
black  tongue,  horn-ail  in  cattle,  rot  in  sheep,  and  red  water  in  cows,  it  is 
invaluable.     Price  $1  per  bottle. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  the  Hon.  Daniel  JVcbster. 

Marshfield,  Aug.  17,  1849. 
Dr.  Dadd.     Dear  Sir :  —  I  was  sorry  to  be  absent  when  you  called  this 
morning,  as  I  should  have  been  glad  to  see  you. 

In  relation  to  the  subject  of  your  inquiry,  I  am  happy  to  say  that  the 


6\)&  APPENDIX. 

medicine  *  which  you  furnished  to  Mr.  Whiting  proved  very  effectual  for  the 
curing  of  my  sheep.  The  disease  was  brought  into  the  flock  by  an  import- 
ed Leicester  buck.  It  did  great  injury,  and  produced  considerable  loss,  but 
has  quite  disappeared. 

If  you  shall  be  equally  successful  in  the  treatment  of  the  diseases  of  which 
so  many  fine  cattle  have  died  within  three  or  four  years,  you  will  do  the 
farming  and  cattle-growing  interests  great  benefit. 

With  respect,  yours, 

D.  WEBSTER. 

Healing  Balsam,  for  saddle  galls,  cuts,  wounds,  bruises,  and  foul  ulcers, 
for  horses  or  cattle.  For  description,  see  directions.  Price  50  cents  per 
bottle. 

Hoof  Ointment,  for  horses  or  cattle.  This  valuable  remedy  is  the  only 
article  recommended  by  the  faculty  of  London  and  Edinburgh  ;  for  the  sim- 
ple reason,  that  it  does  not  evaporate  so  readily  as  many  preparations  in  use. 
It  is  used  with  great  success  in  brittle  hoof,  sand  crack,  lameness  from  bad 
crack,  fever,  and  contraction  of  the  foot ;  it  preserves  the  elasticity  of  the 
crust,  and  allows  the  sole  to  descend  to  its  proper  position.  Those  who  own 
oxen,  should  never  be  without  this  article,  for  their  feet  are  constantly 
exposed  to  injury  from  rough  roads  and  bad  shoeing.  Price  50  cents  per 
bottle. 

Ointment,  for  mange,  scratches,  old  sores,  and  all  diseases  of  the  skin.  It 
is  a  well  known  fact,  that  horses  or  cattle  are  very  apt  to  become  mangy,  if 
kept  long  in  the  stable  without  grooming;  yet  these  diseases  may  arise  from 
causes  independent  of  a  neglected  skin,  but  they  seldom  trouble  a  well- 
cleansed  animal.  This  is  an  important  subject  to  the  stable-keeper,  for  dis- 
eases of  the  skin  produce  derangement  of  functions  in  the  stomach  and 
bowels.     Price  50  cents  per  bottle. 

Ointment,  for  promoting  the  growth  of  hair.  For  horses  or  cattle,  when- 
ever a  blemish  is  produced,  either  by  accident  or  design,  this  ointment  will 
promote  the  perfect  growth,  and  restore  it  to  the  original  color  in  a  few  days. 
Price  50  cents  per  bottle. 

Directions  to  those  zcho  use  Dad(Vs  Horse  and  Cattle  Medicines. 

Endeavor  to  ascertain,  and  remove,  the  direct  or  exciting  causes  of  dis- 
ease ;  they  may  be  found  in  improper  ventilation  of  the  barn,  or  stable, 
damaged  food,  over-feeding,  want  of  cleanliness,  over-exertion,  and  many 
other  causes  too  numerous  to  mention,  but  equally  important  to  the  farmer 
and  stable-keeper. 

N.  B.  Whenever  the  dry  powders  are  administered  in  the  food,  the  latter 
should  be  wetted,  to  absorb  the  fine  particles. 

Liquid  Blister.  This  is  useful  in  all  cases  where  it  is  necessary  to  pro- 
duce counter-irritation.     It  will  be  found  very  useful  in  chronic  enlargement 

*  The  medicine  above  referred  to  by  Mr.  Webster,  was  Distemper  Powder  and 
Mange  Ointment. 


APPENDIX.  303 

of  the  joints,  inflammation  of  the  lungs  or  intestines,  putrid  sore  throat, 
mortification  of  the  extremities,  frost-bitten  parts,  and  as  a  counter-irritant 
in  horn-ail.     Price  75  cents  per  bottle. 

Liquid  Blister.  This  is  not  what  its  name  indicates,  (a  blister,)  for  we 
would  not  have  the  reader  suppose  that  blistering-  a  part  will  assist  us  to  cure 
disease  ;  it  is,  more  properly  speaking-,  a  counter-irritant. 

Dadd's  Chart  of  Veterinary  Reformed  Practice,  being  a  synop- 
sis of  the  diseases  of  horses,  cattle,  and  sheep,  with  their  causes,  symptoms, 
and  treatment.  Price  37£  cents  bound,  25  cents  unbound.  No  stable- 
keeper,  or  farmer,  should  be  without  this  valuable  guide. 

RECOMMENDATIONS  IN  FAVOR  OF  DR.  DADD'S  MEDICINES. 
[From  the  New  York  Ledger.] 

We  take  pleasure  in  referring  our  readers  to  the  advertisement  of  Messrs. 
Stimpson  &  Reed,  of  Boston. 

These  gentlemen  are  offering  some  of  the  best  medicines  for  the  cure  of 
diseases  incidental  to  animals,  (and  to  the  horse  especially,)  that  have  ever 
been  introduced  in  this  country.  The  discoverer  of  these  valuable  medi- 
cines is  the  celebrated  Dr.  Dadd,  whose  reputation  is  so  well  established  as 
a  skilful  practitioner,  that  it  needs  no  encomium  at  our  hands.  The  doctor 
has  spent  many  years  in  the  study  of  veterinary  practice,  and  has  also  availed 
himself  of  the  researches  of  the  reformers  in  medicine ;  he  has  commenced 
a  new  practice,  which  will  prove  of  the  greatest  advantage  to  those  who 
heretofore  have  despaired  of  curing  their  horses  and  cattle. 


Clintonville,  Feb.  22,  1848. 
Dr.  Dadd.     Sir :  —  We  have  used  your  medicines  now  about  four  months, 
and  they  have  given  us  perfect  satisfaction  in  every  case,  and  we  can  con- 
fidently recommend  them.  WHITCOMB  &  HOLMAN, 

■  Livery  Stable-Keepers. 


Newton,  (Upper  Falls,)  Nov.  10,  1848. 
This  is  to  certify,  that  one  of  my  horses,  a  few  days  ago,  was  very  severely 
attacked  with  colic,  and  was  entirely  cured  in  a  few  hours  by  the  use  of  Dr. 
Dadd's  medicines.  The  case  was  a  very  severe  one ;  the  horse  being  in 
great  distress,  and,  in  all  probability,  must  have  died  in  a  short  time,  had  I 
followed  the  directions  of  the  numerous  advisers  %\ho  were  present,  assert- 
ing that  nothing  short  of  bleeding  could  save  him;  but  having  used  Dr. 
Dadd's  medicines  with  entire  success,  in  bad  cases  of  heaves,  I  had  confi- 
dence in  them,  and  procured  the  cordial  drink,  and  gave  it ;  also  used  the 
Liquid  Blister,  which  relieved  at  once,  and  saved  the  life  of  my  horse.  I 
earnestly  recommend  all  persons,  who  have  sick  horses,  to  use  Dr.  Dadd's 
medicines,  believing  that  they  will  give  entire  satisfaction,  and  save  many 
valuable  horses.  DAVID  CORRILL. 


[From  the  Merchant's  Ledger,  New  York.] 
Dadd's  Chart  of  Veterinary  Reformed  Practice.  By  George 
H.  Dadd,  M.  D.  We  have  received  from  the  worthy  publisher  the  above 
Chart.  It  contains  a  "  synopsis  of  the  diseases  of  horses,  cattle,  and  sheep, 
with  their  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment.'"  The  author,  from  education 
and  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  subject,  is  eminently  qualified  to  produce 
a  Chart  invaluable  to  the  owners  of  horses,  cattle,  &c,  and  from  an  exam- 


304  APPENDIX. 

ination  of  this  publication  we  are  free  to  say,  that  it  contains  a  vast  amount 
of  useful  matter,  and  should  be  in  the  hands  of  all  those  for  whom  the  work 
was  mainly  written.  It  can  be  had  at  Messrs.  Stimpson  &  Reed's,  26  Mer- 
chants Row,  Boston. 

The  author  would  inform  the  public,  that  these  medicines  are  not  specifics 
or  curealls ;  yet,  if  proper  attention  is  paid  to  diet,  exercise,  and  stable 
management,  they  will  perform  wonders. 

The  popular  notion,  that  disease  is  under  the  control  of  the  lancet,  firing- 
iron,  and  poisonous  drugs,  and  may  be  cured  by  them,  has  caused  an  im- 
mense loss  to  owners  of  domestic  animals.  It  probably  originated  a  great 
portion  of  disease  now  existing. 

No  treatment  is  scientific,  in  the  opinion  of  some,  unless  it  includes  the 
lancet,  firing-iron,  blisters,  setons,  boring  horns,  cramming  down  nauseous 
medicines,  &c.  The  fact  is,  that  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  they  do  more 
harm  than  good.  One  object  of  this  work  is  to  correct  this  erroneous 
notion.  When  the  nature  of  our  curative  agents,  more  powerful  than  those 
of  the  mineralites,  (at  least  to  cure,)  are  understood,  and  our  principles  fully 
carried  out,  then  the  practice  of  veterinary  medicine  will  be  a  very  different 
thing  from  what  is  now  taught  in  the  schools  of  England  and  France.  They 
will  then  know  the  powers  that  really  cure,  and  devise  means  of  prevention. 
Animals,  when  roaming  at  liberty,  are  seldom  sick,  and  generally  live  to  a 
good  old  age  ;  yet,  when  they  come  under  the  direction  of  refined  man,  they 
often  drag  out  a  miserable  existence,  and  die  victims  to  the  popular  science 
of  guessing. 

Report  of  the  Worcester  County  Mechanics'  Association,  in  favor  of  the 
Author's  Medicines. 
617.  Dadd's  Horse  and  Cattle  Medicines,  by  G.  H.  Dadd,  M.  D., 
of  Boston.  It  is  a  matter  of  congratulation,  that  scientific  men  are  turning 
their  attention  to  the  wants  and  necessities  of  the  brute  creation.  Too  long 
have  our  noble  horses,  and  our  useful  cattle,  been  subjected  to  the  brutal 
treatment  of  ignorant  empirics,  whose  highest  ambition  seems  to  be  the  pos- 
session of  the  title  of  "  cow  doctor,"  without  a  single  qualification  necessary 
for  the  proper  exercise  of  a  cow  doctor's  duties.  In  the  Old  World  there 
are  schools  of  study  where  the  veterinary  practitioner  goes  through  a 
thorough  course  of  education,  and  is  prepared  to  exercise  the  duties  of  his 
profession,  understanding^,  and  with  a  proper  regard  to  the  feelings  of  his 
patients ;  and  he  takes  his  station,  next  in  rank,  to  the  regular  physician. 
From  a  detailed  explanation  of  the  course  of  practice,  the  design  and  the 
operation  of  the  medicine  exhibited  by  Dr.  Dadd,  the  committee  see  no  rea- 
son why  its  use  should  not  be  recommended  to  the  public  by  them,  as  well 
as  his  treatise  on  the  diseases  of  animals.  —  Diploma. 

Worcester,  Dec.  25,  1849. 
Dr.  Dadd.  Dear  Sir :  —  The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  your 
horse  and  cattle  medicines,  felt  that  the  subject  was  a  novel  one  to  them  at 
the  time,  and,  consequently,  they  did  not  feel  prepared  to  say  as  much  in 
favor  of  the  remedies,  &c,  as  upon  more  reflection  they  feel  that  the  subject 
demands. 


APPENDIX.  305 

People  here  have  lost  confidence  in  the  cattle  doctors  they  have  known, 
and,  in  the  language  of  one  of  the  committee,  "  many  a  noble  animal  is 
suffered  to  sicken  and  die,  for  want  of  proper  medical  treatment."  Several 
cases  in  this  immediate  vicinity  were  cited,  and  in  view  of  the  great  loss  of 
property,  as  well  as  for  the  honor  of  New  England,  the  hope  was  earnestly 
and  repeatedly  expressed,  that  success  might  crown  your  labors  in  this  im- 
portant branch  of  science  and  skill.  May  you  still  go  on  and  prosper ;  the 
whole  land  is  before  you,  and  the  people  prepared,  by  dear-bought  experi- 
ence, to  favor  your  more  rational  course  of  practice. 

Yours,  &c,  H.  F.  JOHNSON,  M.  D. 


REMARKS  ON  CLYSTERS. 

As  the  more  general  use  of  clysters  is  recommended  by  the  author,  espe- 
cially in  acute  diseases,  he  has  thought  proper  to  introduce,  in  this  part  of 
the  work,  a  few  remarks  on  them,  with  examples  of  their  different  forms. 
They  serve  not  only  to  evacuate  the  rectum  of  its  contents,  but  assist  to 
evacuate  those  of  the  intestines,  and  serve  also  to  convey  nourishment  into 
the  system ;  as  in  cases  of  lockjaw,  and  great  prostration.  They  soften  the 
hardened  excrement  in  the  rectum,  and  cause  it  to  be  expelled ;  besides,  by 
their  warm  and  relaxing  powers,  they  act  as  fomentations.  A  stimulating 
clyster  in  congestion  of  the  brain,  or  lungs,  will  relieve  those  parts  by  counter- 
irritation.  A  horse  that  is  unable  to  swallow,  may  be  supported  by 
nourishing  clysters  ;  for  the  lacteals,  which  open  into  the  inner  cavity  of  the 
intestines,  absorb,  or  take  up,  the  nourishment  and  convey  it  into  the  thoracic 
duct,  as  already  described.  Some  persons  deny  the  utility  of  injections. 
We  are  satisfied  on  that  point,  and  are  able  to  convince  any  one,  beyond  a 
reasonable  doubt,  that  fluids  are  absorbed  in  the  rectum,  notwithstanding  the 
opinion  of  some  men  to  the  contrary. 

In  administering  clysters,  it  ought  always  to  be  observed  that  the  fluids 
be  neither  too  hot  nor  too  cold,  and  about  the  temperature  of  the  blood. 
The  common  sixteen-ounce  metal  syringe,  with  a  wooden  pipe,  about  six 
inches  in  length,  and  gradually  tapering  from  base  to  point,  is  to  be  preferred ; 
it  is,  after  being  oiled,  much  easier  introduced  into  the  fundament,  than  one 
that  is  considerably  smaller  ;  and  having  a  blunt  point,  there  is  no  danger  of 
hurting  the  horse,  or  wounding  the  rectum. 

FORMS  OF  CLYSTERS. 
EMOLLIENT    CLYSTER. 

Take  of  powdered  slippery  elm, one  ounce. 

Boiling  water, sufficient  to  form  a  thin  mixture. 

The  following  articles  may  be  substituted  for  elm :  flaxseed,  powdered 
39 


306  APPENDIX. 

licorice,  marshmallows,  lily  roots,  gum  arabic,  olive  oil,  Iceland  moss,  either 
of  which  will  answer  the  same  purpose. 

LAXATIVE    CLYSTER. 

Warm  water, three  or  four  quarts. 

Linseed  oil, six  ounces. 

Powdered  lobelia, one  ounce. 

If  the  excrement  is  hard,  common  soap-suds  will  soften  it.  If  the  lobelia 
is  not  at  hand,  substitute  either  of  the  following  articles  :  assaftstida,  gin- 
seng, pleurisy  root 

ANODYNE    CLYSTER. 

Take  of  cyprepedium,  or  lady's  slipper, two  ounces. 

Camomile  flowers, three  ounces. 

Boiling  water, three  quarts. 

Let  the  mixture  stand  a  short  time,  strain  through  a  fine  sieve,  when  it 
will  be  fit  for  use. 

STIMULATING    CLYSTER. 

Take  mucilage  of  slippery  elm,  or  linseed  tea, three  quarts. 

Pure  African  cayenne,  powdered, one  teaspoonful. 

The  pure  cayenne  gives  to  the  organs  an  increased  physiological  action, 
without  astringency  or  relaxation.  A  large  portion  of  the  capsicum  found 
in  the  stores  is  adulterated  with  logwood,  and  is  decidedly  injurious. 

DIURETIC    CLYSTER. 

Take  linseed  tea, three  quarts. 

Oil  of  juniper, two  drachms. 

Or  substitute  for  the  latter  cream  of  tartar,  one  ounce. 

This  clyster  may  be  used  with  decided  advantage  in  all  acute  diseases  of 
the  urinary  organs  of  cattle  and  horses.  In  red  water  of  cattle,  the  above 
may  be  combined  with  tonics,  as  wild  cherry,  prickly  ash,  golden  seal,  &c. ; 
the  properties  of  the  latter  may  be  extracted  by  infusion. 

ASTRINGENT    CLYSTER. 

Take  bayberry  bark,  powdered, one  ounce. 

Thin  gruel, three  quarts. 

If  an  alterative  effect  is  required,  add  lobelia,  one  ounce. 

NOURISHING    CLYSTER. 

Gruel  made  of  arrowroot, two  quarts. 

Powdered  licorice, four  drachms. 

"        golden  seal, four  drachms. 


APPENDIX.  307 


INJECTION    FOR    PIN    WORMS. 


Boiling  water, three  quarts. 

Sulphur, four  drachms. 

Powdered  wormseed, one  ounce. 

ANOTHER. 

Lobelia  and  wood  ashes,  each, one  ounce. 

Boiling-  water, two  quarts. 

WASH   FOR  INFLAMED  EYES. 

Camomile  flowers, one  ounce. 

Marshmallows, one  ounce. 

Boiling  water, one  quart. 

Let  the  mixture  stand  one  hour ;  strain  it,  and  bathe  the  eye  occasionally. 


IMPORTANT  TO  OWNERS  OF  HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

The  undersigned  respectfully  informs  his  numerous  friends  and  the  pub- 
lic, that  he  continues  to  practise,  successfully,  the  reformed  veterinary  art ; 
the  principles  of  which  practice  consist  in  the  rejection  of  bloodletting, 
which  has  hitherto  been  the  great  antiphlogistic  of  the  allopathic  school,  and 
which  has  produced  more  destruction  in  the  animal  kingdom,  than  the  pesti- 
lential sword.  The  medicines  used  in  the  physiological  practice  are  safe  and 
efficient,  and  generally  establish  the  health  of  the  animal,  without  that 
tedious  convalescence  which  usually  attends  the  administration  of  calomel, 
antimony,  corrosive  sublimate,  arsenic,  copper,  the  mineral  acids,  &c. 

Every  description  of  medicine  used  for  horses,  cattle,  and  sheep,  can  be 
procured,  with  directions  for  their  use,  by  applying  to  the  subscriber, 

No.  1  &  2,  Holmes  Block,  Haymarket  Square,  Boston. 

G.  H.  DADD,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Dadd  would  suggest  to  his  friends  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from 
his  services,  in  the  examination  of  horses  for  sale,  or  purchase,  as  many  pur- 
chasers have  suffered  by  dear-bought  experience. 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

Cum  oi  of  Veterinary  Medicine  at 

Tufts 

200  Westboro  Road 

North  Grafton,  MA  01536 


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